Guided Tours of Mann

21/01/2025

Alfred Hitchcock's last silent film was released 96 years ago today.
It was, of course, 'The Manxman.'

Adapted from Sir Hall Caine's great Manx novel, the film followed Pete Quilliam, Philip Christian and Kate Cregeen through their love-torn attempts to be truthful to themselves and their emotions.
Hitchcock initially planned the make the film entirely on the Isle of Man where it was set, however, it did not take long for Hall Caine's visits from Greeba Castle to become a nuisance and so Hitchcock decamped to Cornwall where the greater part of the film's external shots were captured...
But this just makes it all the more enjoyable to watch the film to spot the scenes which are from the Island!

This 1929 film is well recommended as it's great fun. The fully-restored DVD version is recommended, but a (very poor quality) version of the film can be sampled here: https://youtu.be/_J-EyIXO0r0

Of course, the perfect soundtrack for this silent film has JUST been released, thanks to Stephen Horne's newly recorded score, including elements of many Manx songs (many of which are referenced in the original book):
https://www.ulyssesarts.com/ua-press-centre/stephen-horne-manxman-10-jan-2025

This sort of inspiration which the book and its story continues to offer to people was recently demonstrated through the BBC Radio 4 dramatisation:
https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m001sljj
.. And, of course, this all comes from Hall Caine's original novel, which remains as one of the greatest Manx novels ever written.
It is available online here: http://manxliterature.com/sort-by-genre/prose/the-manxman/

10/01/2025

02/01/2025

01/01/2025

04/12/2024

Have you heard the legend of the magical mermaid kingdom at Niarbyl?
-
Relaxing on a beautiful Autumn morning,
my heart dancing to the sound of the waves,
backed by such stillness and serenity,
a tonic to what one's mind craves.

Then a sweet melodic voice broke the silence,
the like i'd never heard before,
intrigued and a little bit puzzled,
so i decided it was time to explore.

Clambering over rocks covered in seaweed,
to be honest rather slippy for me,
then dazzled by the sun's reflection,
Whatever could this phenomenon be?

Suddenly sat in a rock pool,
eyes playing tricks believe do i dare,
a beautiful young lady looking into a mirror,
and combing her locks of long golden hair.

Realising she had company,
turning with an alluring smile,
honest i was mesmerized,
and stood transfixed for what seemed like a while.

However, this beauty there was a difference,
soft smooth skin marble pale,
with an hypnotic gaze,
half human complete with a fishes tail.

But in hindsight it was only for a few seconds,
before slipping into the depths and swimming away,
though thinking how lucky i had been able to witness,
the mermaid of Niarbyl Bay!
-
Russel Price

Legend has it, an underwater mermaid kingdom is alleged to exist off Niarbyl Bay, and the small rounded white quartz pebbles you find along White Beach (just next to Niarbyl) is the currency used by the kingdom.

Mystical legends and magical folkore, we have it in abundance on the Extraordinary Isle 🤍

26/11/2024

30/10/2024

16/10/2024