The Hound of the Deep

The Hound of the Deep is a 1926 British–Australian silent drama film directed by Frank Hurley and starring Eric Bransby Williams, Lilian Douglas and Jameson Thomas. Unlike many Australian silent films, a copy of it survives today.

It was one of the first Australian films set on Thursday Island.

Plot
Under the terms of his uncle's will, John Strong must go to Thursday Island and find a pearl within two years or the Reuben Strong pearling station and his great wealth will revert to another, Black Darley. Eventually Strong finds the pearl, defeats Darley and discovers romance with the daughter of an island trader.

Cast

 * Eric Bransby Williams as John Strong
 * Lilian Douglas as Marjorie Jones
 * Jameson Thomas as 'Black' Darley
 * W. G. Saunders as 'Cockeye' Jones
 * Molly Johnson as Lady Cynthia
 * Dallas Cairns as Mr. Bullyer

Production
After the disappointing reception to his documentaries in America, Hurley decided to go into dramatic feature films. He succeed in persuading the Australian-born British theatre magnate Sir Oswald Stoll to provide £10,000 and several actors and technicians to make two films in Papua and Thursday Island, this and Jungle Woman.

Hurley and his crew left Sydney in August 1925 and travelled to Thursday Island where they shot The Hound of the Deep.

Release
Reviews generally praised the photography but had reservations about the story.

The film was released in Britain as Pearl of the South Seas.