Manfish

Manfish

Year: 1956

Runtime: 88 mins

Language: English

Director: W. Lee Wilder

Adventure

Battling aqua-lung adventure! Three deep sea divers get involved in murder while searching for a lost treasure.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline & Setting – Manfish (1956)

Explore the full timeline and setting of Manfish (1956). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

Present day with flashbacks to the late 18th century (1793)

The investigation unfolds in a contemporary Caribbean setting, anchored by Warren’s extradition request in Jamaica. The professor’s backstory and the pirate map are anchored to a 1793 date found in a bottle, linking the modern plot to Lafitte-era treasure lore. The film blends detective elements with pirate-adventure motifs across two time frames.

Location

Jamaica, Hispaniola

Jamaica is the primary setting, hosting the Jamaica Constabulary Force and serving as the entry point for Inspector Warren’s investigation. The story also moves to the island of Hispaniola for the treasure hunt, tying pirate lore to present-day mystery. The Caribbean backdrop includes sea travel aboard the Manfish, a turtle-hunting voyage, and underwater discoveries like a bottle and a skeleton.

🏖️ Caribbean 🗺️ Island 🚢 Sea

Last Updated: October 05, 2025 at 08:41

Main Characters – Manfish (1956)

Meet the key characters of Manfish (1956), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Brannigan (John Bromfield)

A devil-may-care adventurer who wins the ship Manfish and its first mate Swede in a poker game. He thrives on risk, charm, and a taste for trouble, often dragging others into dangerous schemes. His pursuit of treasure becomes a catalyst for action and conflict.

🧭 Adventurer 🔥 Impulsive 💰 Greed

The Professor (Victor Jory)

The enigmatic antagonist wearing a skull ring. He possesses half of a Lafitte treasure map and uses intellect to protect himself while pursuing wealth. He is cautious, manipulative, and willing to betray allies to stay alive and ahead of danger.

🧠 Cunning 🗝️ Keeper 🧭 Manipulative

Warren (Jack Lewis)

A Scotland Yard inspector who travels to Jamaica to seek extradition of the Professor. He provides the procedural backbone of the story, balancing law with the lure of adventure and exposing the flaws in pirate legends.

🕵️ Detective ⚖️ Law 🗺️ Investigation

Swede (Lon Chaney Jr.)

The loyal first mate aboard the Manfish. He is practical and steady, offering a grounded perspective amid Brannigan’s reckless bravado. He witnesses the strange relics and the danger of the treasure chase, serving as a stabilizing presence.

🧭 Loyal 🗺️ Steady ⚓ Stability

Last Updated: October 05, 2025 at 08:41

Major Themes – Manfish (1956)

Explore the central themes of Manfish (1956), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

🏴‍☠️ Treasure Hunt

The pursuit of Lafitte’s treasure drives the plot forward, weaving pirate legends into a modern crime story. A torn map fragment and a skull-ring artifact symbolize how the past continues to lure the present. Brannigan’s greed and the Professor’s cunning propel the quest, creating escalating danger.

💰 Greed

Greed motivates both the Professor and Brannigan, pushing them toward riskier schemes. The tantalizing £25,000 treasure offers a stark lure that tests loyalties and ethics. Characters manipulate information and alliances to secure the prize, often at the expense of safety.

⚖️ Law

Inspector Warren embodies the rule of law, pursuing extradition while confronting pirate legends. The flashback structure pits legal procedure against outlaw adventure, highlighting tension between duty and desire. The Jamaica authorities and international pursuit shape a cross-border chase.

Last Updated: October 05, 2025 at 08:41

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Unlock the Full Story of Manfish

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Manfish Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Manfish, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.

Manfish Summary

Manfish Timeline

Track the full timeline of Manfish with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.

Manfish Timeline

More About Manfish

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