Teignmouth to Shine with Release of 'The Mercy'

It’s been long anticipated and for some, well overdue but the screen adaptation of Donald Crowhurst’s story The Mercy is due to be released on the 9^th of February 2018. Starring Colin Firth and Rachel Weisz, the film was directed by James Marsh and written by Scott Z. Burns, the timeframe for its release have been changed several times over that last year or so, but finally there has been a date confirmed for when it is set to hit the big screens.

The movie, based on true events, tells the story of Donald Crowhurst, a 35 year old amateur sailor/yacht racer who enters into to the 1968 Golden Globe Race competition, sponsored by the Sunday Times newspaper. As Crowhurst sails single-handedly in his boat called the Teignmouth Electron across the treacherous seas, early on he encountered problems; the film portrays his troubles, deception and descent into madness.

Scenes were shot in a few different areas, including Malta, but a lot of the filming for the long awaited movie was filmed South Devon’s very own Teignmouth in 2015. Locals and residents were excited for such a production to come to this vibrant seaside resort with many of them taking part as extras. 

Teignmouth is a beautiful coastal town resting on the banks of the River Teign and it is where Donald Crowhurst would begin his dangerous and unforgettable journey. The town itself is a popular tourist destination in South Devon due to its glorious beaches, stunning views, easy access to Exeter and it’s abundance of attractions. It is also situated on the widely known picturesque Rivera Railway Line making it easy to reach by whatever mode of transport that suits.

The resort boasts two beaches which are unique in their own ways and often frequented by families during the summer months, as well as an ever favoured traditional pier. The Riviera Line is a coastal train route that runs from Paignton in Torbay to Exeter, passing through other beloved towns such as Torquay, Dawlish and Newton Abbot.

Teignmouth is also a celebrated holiday destination because of its tranquil location on the River Teign, with plenty of water surrounding the resort it’s no wonder that the bustling town is a hub for many different watersports. Nearby Shaldon, a thriving village on the other side of the river bursts also with breathtaking vistas and plenty to do; there is a passenger ferry that runs between the two throughout the year offering a captivating perspective of the picture perfect scenery.

The pretty town of Teignmouth in South Devon also links to Dartmoor National Park. The Templer Way is an 18 mile route between Haytor and Teignmouth that retraces the steps that Haytor Granite made when being exported; along the Haytor Granite Railway and the Stover Canal. History relating to this popular town can also be found at the Teign Heritage Centre which is home to Teignmouth and Shaldon Museum.

Throughout the year both Shaldon and Teignmouth host a number of enchanting events but there’s no doubt that one of the most exciting to occur on this year’s calendar will be the red carpet screening events during the evening at Teignmouth Pavilions for the first week of The Mercy’s release.  The film will be shown twice a day there until the 22^nd of February.

To watch the trailer for The Mercy (on YouTube) please click here.

To learn more about Teignmouth, please click here.