Temptation Harbour (1947)
A British crime drama about one man's fatal decision to keep stolen money after witnessing a murder on the harbor.
Temptation Harbour - Movie Information
- Original Title: Temptation Harbour
- Release Year: 1947
- Directed by: Lance Comfort
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Crime, Drama
- Age Rating (US): NR
- Runtime: 1h 31m
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
- Release Date (Theatrical): February 27, 1947 (United Kingdom), May 27, 1949 (United States - NR)
- Alternative Titles: Temptation Harbor (US)
- Production Companies: Associated British Picture Corporation
- Production Countries: United Kingdom
Temptation Harbour - Plot
The story of a harbor signalman who retrieves a suitcase full of money after witnessing a murder, fails to report it to the police, and finds himself the object of murderous and mercenary interest.
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Temptation Harbour - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Lance Comfort
Main Cast
- Robert Newton
- Simone Simon
- William Hartnell
- Marcel Dalio
- Margaret Barton
- Edward Rigby
- Charles Victor
- Kathleen Harrison
- Irene Handl
- Wylie Watson
Writers
- Rodney Ackland
- Frederick Gotfurt
- Victor Skutezky
Producers
- Victor Skutezky
Temptation Harbour - FAQs
What is Temptation Harbour about?
Temptation Harbour follows Bert Mallinson, a quiet harbor signalman who witnesses a murder and secretly keeps the victim's suitcase full of cash. What seems like a lucky break quickly unravels into a nightmare as dangerous figures close in, forcing him to confront the cost of his silence and greed.
Does Bert Mallinson get away with keeping the money?
Bert's decision to keep the stolen money rather than go to the police sets off a chain of events he can't control. The film builds relentlessly toward the consequences of that fateful choice, making it clear that moral compromise rarely goes unpunished in the world of British noir.
Where can you watch Temptation Harbour?
You can find streaming and viewing options for Temptation Harbour on JustWatch, which lists all available platforms in your region. Availability may vary depending on your location, so checking JustWatch is the easiest way to see where it's currently streaming or available to rent.
Who are the main actors in Temptation Harbour?
Robert Newton leads the cast as the conflicted signalman Bert Mallinson, with Simone Simon playing the alluring Camelia. William Hartnell brings menace as the threatening Jim Brown, and Marcel Dalio appears as Inspector Dupré. The supporting cast includes Kathleen Harrison and Irene Handl in memorable roles.
What makes Temptation Harbour a notable British noir?
The film stands out for its atmospheric harbor setting, Otto Heller's moody cinematography, and Robert Newton's nuanced performance as an ordinary man undone by temptation. Director Lance Comfort wrings genuine tension from a morality tale that feels grounded and human rather than sensational, placing it among the finer British crime films of the 1940s.
Who directed Temptation Harbour and what else did he make?
Lance Comfort directed Temptation Harbour. A prolific British filmmaker of the 1940s and 1950s, Comfort was known for crafting taut, atmospheric dramas. His other notable works include Hatter's Castle (1942) and Great Day (1945), and he remained a steady presence in British genre cinema throughout his career.
Is Temptation Harbour based on a book or true story?
Temptation Harbour is adapted from the novel A Hole in the Ground by Georges Simenon, the Belgian author best known for creating Inspector Maigret. Simenon's talent for psychological suspense and moral ambiguity translates well to the screen, giving the film its distinctive sense of dread and inevitability.
What is the tagline for Temptation Harbour?
The film's tagline is "Conscience does make cowards of us all" — a line borrowed from Shakespeare's Hamlet that perfectly captures the story's central tension. It speaks directly to Bert's paralysis after the murder, unable to act rightly yet unable to fully escape the weight of what he's done.
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