AustLit

A mystery thriller adapted from a story by Captain T. D. Bairnsfather, of Station 2KY, concerning ten people shipwrecked on an island in the South Pacific, one of whom is a murderer, and another a detective. The ship's captain is the only one amongst them who knows this person's identity but he has lost his memory.

The critical reception for the film was less than positive, with one review indicating that while 'the story presents good dramatic possibilities… the opportunity seems to have passed by. Suspense is lacking, and neither the action nor the players themselves do very much to provide it' (Sydney Morning Herald 8 March 1937, p.4).

Reportedly based on real events that occurred in America, the story sees hunchbacked musician Peter Wallace marry blind singer Helen Raymond. When Helen regains her sight following the birth of her child she realises that Peter has a physical disability, and leaves him. Fearing that their child will inherit his difference, she abandons the baby at a convent with nothing else but a violin. The child is raised by the nuns, who call her 'just Peggy' and grows into a beautiful young woman. Having inherited her father's musical ability, and not his physical difference, her talent is developed through training paid for by impresario Frank Leighton. Meanwhile her mother has become a well-known opera singer.

When Peter is brought in to conduct an orchestra supporting Helen, she recognises him and faints. Upon awakening Helen, reconciles with Peter and the pair decide to search for their child. In an accident of fortune, Peggy is engaged as a violinist with the orchestra and Peter recognises her violin. The family is re-united and Peggy in turn marries Frank.

[Source: PIke and Cooper. Australian Film 1900 - 1977, (1980), pp.106-107]