THE BEACHCOMBER is the US-release title of the 1938 British-made Vessel Of Wrath, based on a Somerset Maugham short story set in the Alas Islands, part of Papua New Guinea, back when the region was a colonial possession, the ‘Dutch East Indies.’ Charles Laughton (also co-producing) stars with his wife Elsa Lanchester in a rascal-meets-purity setup that would later frame The African Queen, Heaven Knows Mr. Allison and Father Goose.

Irrepressibly irresponsible ‘Ginger Wilson’ (Laughton) lolls away his life in the tropics by drinking himself into stupors, seducing native damsels (as if), causing property damage and providing a mix of headaches and amusement to the local Dutch ‘controleur’ (Robert Newton) who puts up with the boozy Brit’s antics. Less thrilled is prim missionary/teacher ‘Martha Jones’ (Lanchester) who has a running battle of mutual disdain with Ginger. Ultimately, the two have to share peril (an epidemic and natives whose suspicion turns dangerous). What are the chances self-satisfied sot and self-stifled savior will see the light?

Getting a halfway decent print of this amusing artifact makes enjoyment a mixed bag, but fans of Laughton (enjoying playing a besotted reprobate) and Lanchester (glowing) will put up with the archaic attitudes, considerable unlikeliness and too-quick reversals for the pleasure of seeing the real-life acting couple spar and spark.

Bartlett Cormack wrote the script, highly influential German producer Erich Pommer directed, his solo turn in that capacity. The beach settings were accomplished in southern France. In the States it grossed a decent $1,800,000, placing 125th in the ’38 mix.

With Tyrone Guthrie (one of just two film roles for this legendary theatrical producer) and Dolly Mollinger (pretty Dutch actress bearing a resemblance to Linda Darnell). Richard Addinsell contributes a whimsical score. 92 minutes, remade in color 1954, in color with Newton as the bum and Glynis Johns as the spinster.