After admirably directing and producing "Great Expectations," Michael Powell and Emeric Pressburger apparently felt they could dispense with Charles Dickens and do their own writing as well. Unfortunately, "I Know Where I'm Going" misses the collaboration of Mr. Dickens considerably, but the combined talents of mature actress Wendy Hiller, photographers with imagination, and some native Scots have overcome scenario shortcomings and produced a pleasurable film.

The story, fondly referred to by veteran script-writers as "Plot No. 3," concerns a lady on her way to marry a wealthy gentleman described by her father as being "as old as I am." However, before reaching the altar she encounters a storm and a naval officer and each has an equally turbulent effect upon her. Fortunately it's not as trite as all that, for Wendy Hiller portrays Joan Webster, the calculating wonan, with a poise and effectiveness that makes much out of not much of anything. Roger Livesey and the supporting east also contribute an occasional worthwhile moment and, with the assistance of Scottish folk dances and Gaclic singing, the picture becomes quite enjoyable.

But even the acting suffers from failings of the plot when situations arise which either couldn't or just wouldn't happen. Joan Webster setting to sea in a small boat with the North sea equivalent of a typhoon approaching is almost credible. The naval officer going along against his better judgment is somewhat less credible. But when they are being swept into a whirlpool with the engine completely waterlogged, it requires a stretch of the audience's credulity to accept a last minute repair job that permits the boat to chug blithely away from the whirling maelstrom. Similarly, the happy ending never would have happened had Joan Webster remained in character as the girl who intended to marry for wealth rather than love. Either Miss Webster really didn't know where she was going all along, or else J. Arthur Rank diverted her in the direction of the American box office.