Charles Laughton delivers a striking performance as the prominent local figure "Sir Humphrey" in this excellent version of Daphné du Maurier's novel. The somber visuals and imposing waves contribute significantly to creating an atmosphere of dread surrounding the wicked Cornish wreckers. Leslie Banks portrays the sinister "Joss," displaying equal harshness toward his wife, "Patience" (Marie Ney), as he does towards anyone who finds themselves in the path of his men’s schemes to lure ships onto the rocks and steal their cargo – a process that involves taking lives. Maureen O'Hara plays “Mary,” Joss’s niece, and Robert Newton portrays an undercover customs officer named "Trehearne," both of whom uncover the nefarious deeds and involvement of "Joss," those he manipulates, and his fellow conspirators. The story then follows their perilous efforts to expose everyone and bring them to account. Alfred Hitchcock has a strong foundation here; the cinematography is impactful, and the leading actor is precisely what’s needed.

Source on TMDB