Jamaica Inn (2014)

Set in the early 19th century, the novel has been a favourite with film-makers since it was published in 1936, with Alfred Hitchcock making the first screen version in 1939. The story follows the fortunes of newly orphaned Mary Yellan, who arrives by carriage at Jamaica Inn, just west of Launceston, hoping to find solace with her Aunt Patience. But she soon discovers that behind its benign exterior, the hostelry is merely a front for a gang of cut-throats led by landlord Joss Merlyn and his thieving younger brother, Jem. From there, du Maurier’s gothic tale of love and loss unfolds.