Overview
Manuela is a 1957 British drama film directed by Guy Hamilton, starring Trevor Howard and Elsa Martinelli. It was released as Stowaway Girl in the United States,
Plot
James Prothero is the jaded, alcoholic, disillusioned captain of a ship due to leave South America for England. He falls for Manuela, a young Spanish girl smuggled aboard by the ship's first mate. His infatuation leads to the loss of the ship. Realising he has no future with Manuela, he returns to sea alone.
Cast
Trevor Howard as James Prothero
Elsa Martinelli as Manuela Hunt
Pedro Armendáriz as Mario Constanza
Donald Pleasence as Evans
Warren Mitchell as Moss
Jack MacGowran as Tommy
Leslie Weston as Bleloch
Harcourt Curacao as Wellington Jones
Barry Lowe as Murphy
Juan Carolilla as Official
John Rae as Ferguson
Roger Delgado as Stranger
Harold Kasket as Pereira
Max Butterfield as Bliss
Andy Ho as Cook
Peter Illing as Agent
Armand Guinle as Patron
Michael Peake as Coca-Cola Man
Ali Allen as Boy (uncredited)
Christopher Lee as Voice of Wellington Jones (uncredited)
Critical response
The Radio Times Guide to Films gave the film 2/5 stars, writing: "This unlikely shipboard romance was later gently lampooned in Carry On Jack [1964]. Director Guy Hamilton does a fair job of reining in Trevor Howard's natural bullishness, coming as close as anyone ever did to discovering vulnerability in his gruff make-up. Elsa Martinelli never really convinces in her boyish disguise, but it's clear to see why tipsy Captain Howard would fall for her. This frippery is beneath the cast, but it still has an easy charm."
From Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0).