Jamaica Inn (1983 TV series)

Jamaica Inn is a British television serial adapted from Daphne du Maurier's 1936 novel of the same name. It was produced by Granada Television and aired in 1983. The four-part series starred Jane Seymour as Mary Yellan, Trevor Eve as Jem Merlyn, and Patrick McGoohan as the sinister Reverend Francis Davey.

The series follows young Mary Yellan, who, after the death of her mother, goes to live with her aunt Patience and her uncle Joss Merlyn at the isolated Jamaica Inn on the bleak Bodmin Moor. Mary quickly discovers that the inn is a place of dark secrets and that her uncle is involved in smuggling and possibly even murder. She becomes entangled in the dangerous activities of the inn and finds herself drawn to Jem Merlyn, Joss's younger brother, despite her growing suspicions about his involvement. The plot thickens as Mary becomes increasingly fearful of Reverend Davey, whose seemingly pious facade masks a malevolent nature. The series culminates in the exposure of the smuggling ring and the confrontation with the true villain behind the crimes.

While a generally faithful adaptation of du Maurier's novel, the 1983 series took some liberties with the source material. It is notable for its atmospheric visuals, the strong performances of the lead actors, and its ability to capture the suspense and mystery of the original story. The series was filmed on location in Cornwall, adding to its authenticity and visual impact. Despite its popularity, the series has also received some criticism for its pacing and alterations to the plot.