I Know Where I’m Going! – A Purely Lovable British Classic
Michael Powell and Emeric Pressburger’s 1945 classic, I Know Where I’m Going!, has been rereleased as part of the BFI’s nationally touring Powell/Pressburger season. This iconic film is considered one of the most cherished and sought-after works in British cinema history. Its whimsical and forthright title evokes a sense of joy that captivates audiences to this day.
In Kevin Macdonald’s biography, Pressburger, one of the masterminds behind this film, intriguingly reveals his unique writing process: “But if I can help it, I never sit down to write the real script until I know where I’m going and I’ve worked out the rhythm and so on beforehand.” As a dedicated Powell/Pressburger fan, I couldn’t help but be perplexed yet captivated by this statement. Was it intentional? Only Pressburger can tell.
I Know Where I’m Going! is an exceptional blend of romance, myth, comedy, and whimsy, deeply rooted in reality and geographical settings. What sets this film apart is its wartime backdrop, which proves entirely absent and irrelevant despite the protagonist’s frequent appearances in his Royal Navy uniform.
Our heroine, Joan Webster, is a headstrong young Englishwoman who knows exactly where she’s headed and what she desires. However, unforeseen events conspire against her, preventing her from achieving her goals. Through a series of tense days, Joan undergoes a remarkable transformation, realizing that her heart longs for something entirely different. Wendy Hiller delivers a powerful performance as Joan: fiercely intelligent, daring yet conceited, and indulged by her beloved father, whom she curiously refers to as “darling”. The film’s credit sequence expertly showcases Joan’s unwavering confidence and resolution at every stage of her life, immersing audiences in her journey.
In a surprising turn of events, Joan astounds her father with a revelation during a night out at a rather unconventional and daring nightclub or hotel bar. Set in their hometown of Manchester, the absence of northern accents adds an interesting twist. Joan reveals her engagement to the wealthy industrialist Sir Robert Bellinger and her plan to take the night train to the Western Isles of Scotland, where they are to be married on the picturesque and fictional island of Kiloran. Oddly enough, Joan doesn’t expect her father to attend the wedding or even act as a guest, as she swiftly removes herself from his life.
However, a hitch emerges. Severe weather conditions on Mull prevent Joan from completing the last leg of her meticulously planned journey to Kiloran. For the first time in her life, she faces a setback, forcing her to remain on Mull with patience and good humor. It is during this time that she crosses paths with Torquil MacNeil, a charming young naval officer on leave, impeccably portrayed by the husky-voiced Roger Livesey. Torquil also happens to be the Laird of Kiloran, and his property on the island is rented by Sir Robert. Joan and Torquil have a delightful meet-cute, engaging in playful banter about their contrasting backgrounds and the allure of both Mull and Kiloran. Gradually, Joan’s impatience to reach Kiloran and begin her married life transforms into testy anticipation, while the locals view her as high-handed and arrogant. However, the truth lies deeper: Joan has unexpectedly fallen in love with Torquil and fears the consequences.
Torquil enjoys the company of friends on the island, including the beautiful and worldly Catriona Potts, portrayed brilliantly by Pamela Brown, who may have had feelings for Torquil in the past. Another eccentric character is Colonel Barnstaple, an eagle trainer with a distinctive foghorn voice, played by real-life falconer CWR Knight.
One memorable scene involves Joan’s attempt to contact Sir Robert using a two-way radio, as the telephone lines are unusable. We are introduced to Sir Robert’s braying and haughty voice, which Torquil unexpectedly hears. Unaware of Torquil’s presence, Sir Robert unintentionally insults him by insinuating his lack of interest. Sharp-witted Joan questions if Sir Robert has a cold, leaving him bewildered. What Joan has truly discovered is the jarring pomposity in Sir Robert’s voice, drastically different from the generosity and charm she has experienced on the island. She desperately looks for an explanation.
The film also features an enchanting ceilidh scene, where John Laurie, portraying John Campbell, enthusiastically pays tribute to his parents’ 60th wedding anniversary. Herbert Lomas delivers a heartwarming performance as John’s elderly father, who becomes overwhelmed with nerves and unable to speak when asked to give a speech. Since the three pipers Sir Robert arranged for his wedding are stranded on Mull, they make an unexpected appearance at the ceilidh. This serves as yet another foretelling sign.
While the laird himself is amusingly reluctant to enter Moy Castle due to an ancient curse that befalls his family, he is equally cautious of a more immediate danger – the treacherous Corryvreckan whirlpool. Joan, consumed by impatience, contemplates crossing this perilous stretch of water with the help of an unsuspecting young boatman. The innocence and bliss captured in this film are truly unparalleled.
I Know Where I’m Going! will be released in UK and Irish cinemas on 20 October. Don’t miss the opportunity to experience this timeless British classic.
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