Jamaica Inn

Mary Yellan is dropped off by coach near Jamaica Inn and sent to live with her aunt Patience Merlyn, the wife of the innkeeper Joss Merlyn. Sir Humphrey Pengallan, the local squire and justice of the peace, warns her about the inn's dangerous reputation. Despite the warnings, Mary resolves to make Jamaica Inn her home.

Over time it becomes clear that Sir Humphrey Pengallan is the mastermind behind the wrecking gang. He coordinates with wealthy friends to learn when ships pass and to fence the stolen cargo. His lavish lifestyle is funded by the loot, while the gang remains oblivious to his full involvement.

The gang suspects Trehearne of embezzling goods and hang him from a rafter of the inn. Mary cuts the rope, saving him from certain death. Trehearne and Mary flee to Pengallan, unaware he is the mastermind behind the wrecks.

Trehearne reveals that he is an undercover law officer sent to investigate the wrecks. Pengallan pretends to ally with him, masking his own role in the scheme. The two men form a tense, deceptive alliance.

Pengallan learns of a ship with precious cargo due to pass near the coast and informs Joss. The gang extinguishes the coastal warning beacon to lure the ship toward danger. Mary, unaware of Pengallan's true intentions, remains near Jamaica Inn.

Mary re-lights the beacon just in time, allowing the ship's crew to navigate away from the rocks. The ship passes safely, denying the gang their loot. The gang grows angry at Mary for foiling their plan.

The gang resolves to kill Mary in retaliation for thwarting the wreck. Joss Merlyn develops a grudging respect for her courage. He helps Mary escape by horse-cart, though he is wounded in the process.

Patience Merlyn confronts Pengallan, triggering a deadly confrontation as Pengallan shoots her. Joss Merlyn dies shortly after from his injuries. Mary is left more exposed as the inn's protection collapses.

Pengallan abducts Mary and drives her toward the harbor, intending to keep her captive and to continue controlling the loot. They board a ship bound for France, signaling Pengallan's continued thirst for power. The harbor departure marks a dramatic escalation in the pursuit.

Trehearne and about a dozen soldiers ride to Jamaica Inn and take Joss's gang into custody, ending their operation. The gang is removed from the inn, and the wrecking network is temporarily dismantled. Trehearne raises the first victory in the broader effort to restore order.

Trehearne rides to the harbor to rescue Mary and capture Pengallan, who is attempting to escape. A tense confrontation ensues as Pengallan struggles to flee the scene. The pursuit heads toward the ship at sea.

During the pursuit, Pengallan climbs to the top of the ship's mast and leaps to his death. Trehearne confronts him, and Mary is freed from his clutches as the ship moves away. With Pengallan defeated, order begins to return to the Cornish coast.