Review of I Know Where I'm Going (2009) by Brian R — 22 Sep 2009

A charming love story between two unconventional lead characters, given the full Powell and Pressburger treatment. Wendy Hiller plays Joan, a rather snooty modom who is hellbent on sailing to Kiloran in the Hebrides to marry her ancient but exceedingly rich fiancee, but alas she is frustrated by the traditional Scottish weather and has to stay on Mull.

She falls under the spell of the island, and ends up falling in love with McNeil (Roger Livesey), the dishy naval officer who is actually the Laird of Kiloran and who has been similarly thwarted in his attempts to make the crossing.

The end of the film, where Joan's haughty mask finally slips, and she chooses McNeil over her moribund millionaire, is truly smashing. It's a beautiful film - Mull strangely looks more magnificent in black and white than I think it would in technicolour.

The wonderful musical score heightens the drama at the key moments - like when Joan and McNeil make an ill-advised attempt to sail during the storm in a boat the size of a tin of shortbread and almost get sucked into a whirlpool.

There's also some good stuff about eagles and falconry and the co-director Michael Powell's spaniels appear to splendid effect.