| The Secret of the Loch | |
| Director: | Milton Rosmer |
| Producer: | Bray Wyndham |
| Starring: | Seymour Hicks |
| Music: | Peter Mendoza |
| Cinematography: | James Wilson |
| Editing: | David Lean |
| Studio: | Wyndham Productions |
| Distributor: | Associated British |
| Runtime: | 78 minutes |
| Country: | United Kingdom |
| Language: | English |
The Secret of the Loch is a 1934 British film about the Loch Ness Monster. It is the first film made about the monster.[1] [2] [3] It was edited by David Lean.
Charles Bennett said the film was based on his original idea. He later admitted it was "terrible... but amusing".[4]
Professor Heggie is determined to prove to a sceptical scientific community the existence of a dinosaur in Loch Ness. Young London reporter Jimmy Anderson believes him and offers to help. He also falls in love with Angela, the professor's granddaughter. Jimmy finally plucks up the courage to enter the Loch himself, and comes face to face with the monster.
| Seymour Hicks | Professor Heggie | |
| Nancy O'Neil | Angela Heggie | |
| Gibson Gowland | Angus | |
| Frederick Peisley | Jimmy Anderson | |
| Eric Hales | Jack Campbell, the Diver | |
| Rosamund John | Maggie Fraser, the Barmaid | |
| Ben Field | Piermaster | |
| Robert Wilton | Reporter | |
| Hubert Harben | Professor Blenkinsop Fothergill | |
| Fewlass Llewellyn | Scientist at Meeting | |
| Stafford Hilliard | Macdonald | |
| D. J. Williams | Judge | |
| Clive Morton | Reporter/Photographer in Pub | |
| Cyril McLaglen | Mate |
The film was inspired by the success of King Kong. It was made by Bray Wyndham, an independent producer using Ealing’s studios and technicians while Basil Dean had a dispute with RKO. Prominent billing was given to Seymour Hicks. Director Milton Rosmer was borrowed from Gaumont, although George King was originally announced for the job.
Charles Bennett and Billie Bristow visited Loch Ness in December 1933 to research the film.[5] Bennett later said "I went up to the Scottish highlands and searched out Loch Ness. I never met the monster, but I found a wonderful Scotch whiskey."[6]
The film was known as Sinister Deeps.[7]
The film was shot over four weeks.[8] In the film, the "monster" is actually a live iguana.
TV Guide called the film "a trite programmer which doesn't make one believe in the humans' actions, much less the sea serpent's";[9] while Allmovie called it a "fairly amusing British monster movie...obscure but entertaining oddity";[10] and Britmovie noted an "enjoyable comic romp."[11]