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- Temptation Harbour 1947 Colorized
Synopsis
Shadows on the Waterfront: Temptation Harbour (1947) in Vivid Color
Experience the atmospheric tension and moral complexity of post-war Britain with Temptation Harbour (1947), now fully colorized for a new generation. Directed by Lance Comfort and adapted from Georges Simenon’s novella Newhaven-Dieppe (also known as L’Homme de Londres or Affairs of Destiny), this British noir mystery thriller brings together a superb cast and a story that simmers with suspense, temptation, and the struggle between conscience and survival.
Temptation Harbour Storyline: Greed, Guilt, and the Human Heart
At the heart of Temptation Harbour is Bert Mallinson, a humble signalman working the night shift at a bustling English port. One evening, Bert witnesses a violent altercation between two men on the quay. When one is pushed into the harbor and drowns, Bert is unable to save him—but he does retrieve the victim’s suitcase. To his shock, it’s stuffed with £5,000 in cash, a fortune in post-war Britain.
Initially, Bert’s instincts are to report the incident to the police. But as he weighs the needs of his overworked daughter Betty and his own financial desperation, temptation takes root. Bert decides to keep the money, setting off a chain of events that draws him into a web of danger, deceit, and moral ambiguity. The murderer, operating under the alias Jim Brown, returns to reclaim the loot, while French dancer Camelia enters Bert’s life, bringing both allure and peril. As the police investigation closes in, Bert’s choices threaten to destroy the fragile world he’s built for himself and his daughter.
Cast and Characters
Temptation Harbour boasts a strong ensemble, each actor bringing depth and nuance to their roles:
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Robert Newton as Bert Mallinson, the conflicted signalman whose choices drive the story
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Simone Simon as Camelia, the enigmatic French dancer whose motives are never clear
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William Hartnell as Jim Brown, the menacing criminal in pursuit of the stolen fortune
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Marcel Dalio as Inspector Dupré, the French detective tracking the origins of the money
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Margaret Barton as Betty Mallinson, Bert’s devoted and overburdened daughter
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Edward Rigby as Tatem, a fellow dockworker
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Joan Hopkins as Beryl Brown
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Kathleen Harrison as Mabel
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Leslie Dwyer as Reg
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Charles Victor as Gowshall
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Irene Handl as Mrs. Gowshall
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Wylie Watson as Fred
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John Salew as CID Inspector
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George Woodbridge as Mr. Frost
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Kathleen Boutall as Mrs. Frost
Genre: Noir Mystery Meets Post-War Grit
Temptation Harbour is a gripping blend of film noir and British crime drama, infused with the social anxieties of the late 1940s. The film’s moody visuals, now enhanced by colorization, evoke the foggy docks and shadowy alleyways of industrial England. Its themes of temptation, guilt, and the consequences of moral compromise are as relevant today as they were at its release.
Historical Context and Production
Produced by Associated British Picture Corporation and filmed at Welwyn Studios, Temptation Harbour was made at a time when the scars of World War II were still fresh. The adaptation shifts the setting from France (as in Simenon’s original novella) to the English coast, grounding the story in the realities of post-war British life. The art direction by Cedric Dawe and the evocative score by Mischa Spoliansky add layers of authenticity and atmosphere.
Colorization: Bringing Noir to Life
The new colorized edition of Temptation Harbour breathes fresh energy into the film’s stark visuals. The careful restoration process highlights the industrial textures of the port, the period costumes, and the emotional nuances of each performance. The transformation from black and white to color makes the suspense more immediate and the moral dilemmas more vivid, inviting both classic film fans and new viewers to rediscover this hidden gem.
Reception and Legacy
Though not a blockbuster, Temptation Harbour was praised for its strong performances—especially Robert Newton’s portrayal of a man torn between right and wrong. Simone Simon’s turn as Camelia adds a layer of continental sophistication and danger, while William Hartnell’s villainous Jim Brown is chillingly effective. Critics have noted the film’s leisurely pace, but also its gripping drama and authentic depiction of working-class struggles.
Over the years, Temptation Harbour has gained a reputation as a standout example of British noir, notable for its complex characters and moral ambiguity. Its exploration of temptation and the cost of choices resonates with viewers long after the credits roll.
Technical Details
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Director: Lance Comfort
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Screenplay: Rodney Ackland, Frederick Gotfurt
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Based on: Newhaven-Dieppe by Georges Simenon
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Cinematography: Otto Heller
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Music: Mischa Spoliansky
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Production Company: Associated British Picture Corporation
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Distributed by: Pathe Pictures
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Runtime: 91 minutes
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Language: English
Download Format and Compatibility
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Download Format: MP4
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Resolution: HD (1080p)
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Compatibility: Works on all major devices—smartphones, tablets, computers, and smart TVs
FAQs
Q: Is Temptation Harbour a true story?
A: No, it is based on Georges Simenon’s novella Newhaven-Dieppe, though the film moves the action from France to England.
Q: What makes this version special?
A: This is a fully restored, colorized HD edition, making the noir visuals and period details more immersive than ever.
Q: Who are the main stars?
A: Robert Newton leads as Bert Mallinson, with Simone Simon as Camelia and William Hartnell as Jim Brown.
Q: What are other titles for this film?
A: The source novella is also known as L’Homme de Londres and Affairs of Destiny.
Q: What genre is Temptation Harbour?
A: It’s a noir mystery thriller with elements of crime drama and post-war social realism.
Download Now in HD!
Rediscover the suspense and moral intrigue of Temptation Harbour (1947) in stunning color. Download your copy today and experience this British noir classic like never before.
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