Strange Cargo (1940) User Reviews

not your typical Gable and Crawford film

[blanche-2 · 7/10 · 22 April 2008]

"Strange Cargo" is a 1940 film starring Joan Crawford and Clark Gable that leaves the usual story lines behind - romantic comedy, kept woman, rags to riches - as it weaves an allegorical tale of escaping prisoners and a Christ-like figure who accompanies them. Gable is Andre Verne, a prisoner on Devil's Island who escapes with several other prisoners (Paul Lukas, Albert Dekker, Eduardo Ciannelli, J. Edward Bromberg and John Arledge). During the evening count, he's almost found missing but another man, Cambreau (Ian Hunter) replaces him in line. He then boards the boat to the mainland with them and Julie (Crawford), probably a prostitute, who is escaping also from a lecherous bounty hunter (Peter Lorre).

The prisoners fall on hard times as they escape through the woods and also while at sea when their water becomes tainted. Cambreau gives each prisoner comfort and helps them to confront the evil that brought them to Devil's Island, helping to bring them peace at last. This is not lost on Julie who sees a chance for redemption. Verne, however, isn't interested.

This is a very simple story beautifully directed by Borzage. The atmosphere of the film is dark and haunting. There is no preachiness. The sheer power of Cambreau and his sense of faith is what brings the prisoners solace. Hunter is majestic in the role. Gable is appropriately tough, and Crawford brings depth to Julie, who thought she knew what she wanted. The rest of the cast is top-notch.

"Strange Cargo" seems like a film that was made in the early '30s with its Christian parable. This was the last film that Crawford and Gable made together. Its powerful message makes this a fitting ending for a fine MGM team.

Religious Allegory Perhaps?

[BaronBl00d · 6/10 · 27 February 2005]

I confess that I too do not entirely understand all of the message of Strange Cargo - and am not sure that whether or not that is an intentional device used to help each viewer decide meaning for himself/herself(OK, it's a stretch!). The story is simple: French prisoners in French Guyana are tired of the old prison life and routine and eventually make a break for the surrounding jungle amidst virtually no chances of success. We have a rather eclectic group: Clark Gable as arrogant as he comes as the head "Cheese" so to speak, Albert Dekker as Moll who is Gable's only real threat for supremacy, Paul Lukas as a spouse-killing German, Joan Crawford as a wise-cracking woman fallen on hard times(never quite sure whether or not it is established that she is/was a prostitute), and Ian Hunter in a strange role as some kind of super Christian and Samaritan. Aiding the cast is Peter Lorre as "Pig" who is after Crawford with a vengeful lust. The story is straightforward, but what is not is its intent. Each of these prisoners are troubled men with troubled consciences. Hunter's character is almost(or is indeed) a Christ-like figure out to ease each individual's pain and torment. Some men embrace his message prior to death, some live on with the promise of happiness, and one ignores it completely and resumes doing what he had that had gotten him into prison. I guess for me the thematically rich substrate is saying something about the importance of choice and the ease in which each of us can be forgiven if only we want to be forgiven. Director Frank Borzage does a decent job with this symbolic material. Some things might just be too ambiguous. But Borzage keeps the pacing going. Probably the most irritating thing for me was Gable's performance. His character is too pushy, too cocky, too crude to be charming, affable, or interesting at all. I didn't care what happened to him and routinely rooted against him. Joan Crawford fares much better giving a pretty nice performance with some dimension - though not much. Dekker and Lukas are very good; Lorre is good with a throwaway role. For me, Ian Hunetr gives the best, most interesting, and most likable performance as the mouthpiece of Heaven so to speak. His subtle acting really diminishes the possible heavy-handedness inherent in a role like this. Hunter plays his part in a first-rate fashion. Though certainly not one of the greatest films ever made, I found Strange Cargo a very interesting movie with a very interesting message.

The Angel of Devil's Island

[bkoganbing · 7/10 · 16 June 2007]

The Strange Cargo referred to in the title is in the person of Ian Hunter who is a mysterious other world convict who comes upon a group of them planning to escape from Devil's Island. It's a strange film, Strange Cargo with Clark Gable and Joan Crawford in the very last of eight films they were paired in by MGM.

Crawford dusts off her Sadie Thompson role for her character here. Even with the Code firmly in place it's rather obvious that Crawford is a working girl. She's free, but stranded on that notorious convict island. Gable is essentially the same cynical tough guy he played in so many MGM features at that time.

Ian Hunter is the mysterious stranger among them. These aren't a group of choir boys he comes among. Yet one by one as they die he brings a peace that passeth all understanding as the Good Book says. The escapees all don't die, but all but one come under his influence.

I'm surprised that TCM did choose this one for its theme this June of gays in the cinema. Prison films even during the days of the Code were a bit more open in treatment of homosexuality. The relationship of Albert Dekker and young John Arledge is rather obvious. Dekker in fact chooses a gruesome suicide rather than live without Arledge after he dies.

In fact what's really startling to me was that the heavenly figure that Ian Hunter represents neither condemns suicide or homosexuality. I'm really wondering how the censors of the day let that one slip through.

Paul Lukas has a very interesting part. He's today what we would consider a serial killer, he's married and killed many women for their money. He's cool and cynical and rejects Hunter's entreaties. When Hunter says they will never meet again, the line is loaded with implications.

Strange Cargo is a strange film. It's not bad, but could have been a lot better without code restrictions.

Great film, a fantasy about God among us.

[fetstone777 · 17 July 2004]

In disagreement with other viewers I found nothing UNEASY about this picture. The film, a great one, deals with a "Strange" character (Cambreau)who by his mannerisms and wisdom hint at his being God incarnate. The question then arises as to why God would come among a group of sinners, convicts and scum. The script is well-written and stimulates a great deal of feeling. The writer certainly was able to bring biblical principals to pass on the screen with well- employed similes. If one knows the bible at all, then they would know that Jesus Christ did exactly that and when he asked why he answered that it was the sick who needed a physician... NOT the well. All of the roles are well-acted. This picture is certainly in my top 20.

Pretty darn strange!

[Anne_Sharp · 7/10 · 14 September 2000]

This entertaining conflation of "Rain," "Island of Doomed Men," and "The Passing of the Third Floor Back" throws Joan Crawford and Clark Gable into a lifeboat with the incarnation of Jesus Christ, which is worth the price of the video already. Add a lovesick Peter Lorre (clearly worth ten Gables) pattering after the unreceptive Miss Crawford, who keeps calling him "Monsieur Pig," and you've got substance. Unforgettable camp of the highest order.

Jesus lands on Devil's Island

[AAdaSC · 7/10 · 17 July 2014]

Clark Gable (Verne) is a prisoner on Devil's Island who has a track record for making escapes. And getting caught. Joan Crawford (Julie) is a singer in a bar on the Island. We are not told why she has ended up here but we can guess that she has had a wicked past. When Gable is found in her room she is expelled from the island and told to leave by the same way that she entered, meaning illegally through the jungle. She becomes a fugitive along with Gable and a handful of other prisoners as they make an escape attempt. Meanwhile the Prison Commandant Frederick Worlock (Grideau) awaits them at the port on the mainland that they are heading to, along with slimy Peter Lorre (Pig) whose ulterior motive involves shacking up with an uninterested Crawford.

It's an interesting film that concentrates on a set of prisoners whose strange cargo comes in the form of prisoner Ian Hunter (Cambreau). He is the all-knowing morality man who allows each prisoner to look at themselves and make their peace before heading to their destinies. He appears from nowhere and has a Christ-like drowning scene at the end of the film where he hangs on to a cross in stormy waters.

At work, we used to have a post messenger called 'Verne' who delivered files to our desks twice a day. He used to turn up on our floor and throw them at you, believing that was an acceptable way to carry out his duty. He'd just fling them at you and if they missed or hit the floor, so be it. Well, the way that Gable's portrayal of his character 'Verne' delivers his dialogue is just as brash. He just throws it at you. I didn't find him particularly likable. Gable plays it very macho and spouts a lot of dialogue with the use of the word "baby" stuck on at the end when he addresses Crawford. Crawford wins the acting award as she provides her character with some depth and you do wonder as to why she has ended up on the island. There seems to be more to her character, whereas Gable is just a meat-head. He has a rivalry with Albert Dekker (Moll) for leadership of the escaping group – guess who wins? Unfortunately, Dekker ruins his role by attempting an English accent from nowhere. No-one English speaks like that, Dekker! I think he was trying cockney?

For me, the most memorable scene was when murderer Paul Lukas (Hessler) realizes his destiny. I think the film could have been better if it had concentrated on his character and his unwillingness to play by Hunter's rules. As it is, we get a love story playing against this conflict of good versus bad. It makes for a happy Hollywood ending with a morality message, but you've got to give full marks to Lukas. Hunter is just not relevant. Another good scene occurs on a boat to the mainland when Gable has to try the infected water. I would have just refused as it means certain death. How will he get out of that one? Perhaps he'll just keep shouting dialogue in a cocky manner, as he does in a climatic scene with Ian Hunter during a storm. Terrible acting from Gable.

Overall, I liked this film as it gives a twist to the story of escaped convicts by throwing in a religious redemption element in the form of Hunter. But, it's a shame we didn't concentrate more on the story of Lukas. At the end, you can decide who really wins. Not many are left with their freedom.

One of my Top Ten Guilty Treasures

[thecinemacafe · 7/10 · 22 July 2014]

The cargo isn't the only strange thing on this journey. However, the title does symbolically refer to its most unusual factor: A rather too obvious Christ-like figure played by Ian Hunter who tags along with some other prisoners attempting an escape from Devil's Island, a penal colony off the coast of French Guiana. One might suspect that this character's persistent appearance in the storyline would be a constant annoyance yet that's really not the case. He's rarely judgmental. His remarks about the others are always creatively intelligent, often unexpectedly helpful. He's even forgiving given these convicts' sordid backgrounds especially after witnessing their self-centered actions during the long and difficult escape. A notable example of his rather surprising response occurs when two of the convicts' (portrayed by Albert Dekker and a young John Arledge) very close and personal relationship ends when the younger one dies. Dekker not being able to cope without his friend (lover?) decides to take his own life. Yet Hunter neither condemns the suicide or the rather obvious homosexual relationship between the two. Instead he chooses only to reinforce the idea to Dekker as he's dying that it's not too late for him to reach a higher spiritual plateau. Besides, this spiritually symbolic figure is not just an observer he's a participant. For one thing he typically goes to great lengths (sometimes miraculous) to help the other criminals remain free! His presence right through to the end of this story will remain mysteriously, and perhaps awkwardly, ambivalent. Yet all of these characters are unique and multidimensional. Most are depicted as ruthless albeit creative opportunists. Foremost is Paul Lukas' serial killer having a past that includes disposing of his many wives for purely financial gain. He cynically but respectfully rejects Hunter's religious overtures right up to the end when they part company, bringing further realism to the proceedings. Now did I mention this film stars Clark Gable as one of the convicts and Joan Crawford as a thinly disguised prostitute? No? Well then I saved the best part for last. Their on and off again relationship (not to mention their dialogue which is snappier than a bus load of Japanese tourists) is priceless. Add the weird Peter Lorre as a prison informer who vies for Crawford's affections and you have one mismatched, very strange yet fascinating motion picture.

A Strange and Beautiful Movie

[vox-sane · 10/10 · 21 July 1999]

A beautiful movie with a mostly A-list cast, far superior to the source novel. "Strange Cargo" has almost non-stop action, yet the central allegory is never lost in action, nor is the storyline swamped by allegory. In less capable hands it might've been a maudlin movie, but instead is a finely crafted parable where a mysterious Christ-like figure (Hunter), introduced while taking Clark Gable's place in a prisoner head-count, accompanies and guides a mixed-nut boatload of escapees from Devil's Island. He's never an intrusive or moralizing figure, nor does he employ clever wordplay or ecstatic preachments, but assists each of the escapees as each individually confronts the internal corruption that led them to Devil's Island -- and the film's makers have the courage to show some of the men dealing with that confrontation, and some turning away from it, without giving judgment to the rightness or wrongness of either choice. This movie proves the potential for making a truly solid, entertaining and non-mawkish movie on orthodox Christian themes without the foolish baggage of robes and sandals (or insipid and sermony scripts). The movie's only disappointment is that Peter Lorre is not one of the escapees but a loathsome bounty hunter who has too few scenes. His character doesn't appear in the book, but deepens the parable. Overall, "Strange Cargo" is a movie that can be enjoyed for the plot alone, but which courageously adds layers, like those of an onion, that can be savored by the discerning. It's astounding this movie hasn't become a "cult" favorite, but perhaps its tendency to prompt introspection isn't much appreciated these days.

fugitive plus

[SnoopyStyle · 6/10 · 9 October 2019]

Verne (Clark Gable) is a thief with three years left in his sentence at a jungle penal colony. He never stops trying to escape despite the dangers of the jungle. Showgirl Julie (Joan Crawford) arrives in the nearby town. Verne escapes again and flirts with Julie. She turns him in but gets fired anyways. M'sieu Pig (Peter Lorre) apprehends the fugitive. He escapes once more with six other convicts. Starved and tired, he finds food and shelter from Julie. She also needs to escape and joins him in his jungle trek.

I really don't care about the other fugitives. I couldn't wait for the movie to get back to the big stars whenever it concentrates on the preacher or the others. There is also a lack of intensity with the jungle. I expected more. Then there are the characters. They are very chaotic and irrational at times. It's hard to get my hands around these people. Some of them look too similar. The dialogue is rather melodramatic. The plot is definitely trying to do something intriguing but it's a strange blend. With the shark, it would have been more intense if the characters don't bring it up first. The Jesus theme is odd. These are great stars. Peter Lorre always delivers. Verne is frustrating. There is something here but it doesn't ever seem to get the intensity.

Breathtaking and Satisfying Gem!

[Claire-P-1 · 10/10 · 1 August 2003]

What a shocker! Even as a committed Gable fan, I was not prepared for the simple greatness of this movie. Why it is not considered to be a Gable classic, I do not know.

Ploughing the ground for later epics, such as McQueen's Papillon, this tale manages to touch a deeper and more fertile vein. Combines all the elements of a Hollywood classic from the Golden Age such as danger, drama, romance and desperation and yet without any aspect being a makeweight. Even more remarkable is the effortless ease with which the film places our deepest questions beside a gritty and genuinely exciting story. This film offers so much for Gable and Crawford fans but is definitely a must see for anyone!

On Devil's Island

[TheLittleSongbird · 7/10 · 30 October 2018]

Was very intrigued by the idea of the story and its themes. Further sparking my interest were that 'Strange Cargo' was directed by Frank Borzage, a director who deserved and still does deserve more credit, and a great cast, including Clark Gable and Joan Crawford in their eighth and last film paired together. Peter Lorre, Paul Lukas and Albert Dekker are always worth watching, the most familiar for me is Lorre and he especially applies here.

A final pairing that showed them off well and was worthy of their talent. Neither are at their very best sure and both did better films, but 'Strange Cargo' still manages to be interesting and entertaining despite its flaws. It is understandable why people find 'Strange Cargo' a strange film, in a way it is and it is not hard to see where people are coming from with their criticisms, but strange (not a positive adjective a good deal of the time with me) in an intriguing way.

'Strange Cargo' is not without flaws. Do agree that it does get heavy-handed at times, especially towards the end with the allegorical themes being laid on rather too thickly and the spiritual redemption angle could have been made clearer.

Parts of the story do strain credibility and some of the dialogue could have been tighter and more subtle.

The main reason to see 'Strange Cargo' however is the cast, all more than game in their roles. Both Gable and Crawford are very good, Gable has charisma and tough intensity aplenty and by Crawford standards her performance here is quite understated (am not knocking her as an actress by the way, actually like her a lot). Their chemistry sizzles as it should. Lorre is deliciously loathsome if somewhat underused and Lukas gave me the chills. Dekker has fun and Ian Hunter makes an interesting character out of one that could have been potentially bland.

Borzage directs with his usual sensitivity as well as an edge, don't usually associate him with this sort of film but he does very well and directs attentively if sometimes lacking the extra dramatic punch. It's a good looking film and Franz Waxman provides a haunting and moody music score in his usual unmistakable style. The script does provoke thought mostly and the story is compelling, never dull, with its starkness still quite raw, some of the content was daring back then and one can see why.

To conclude, interesting and entertaining. 7/10 Bethany Cox

Two masterpieces in a year.

[dbdumonteil · 9/10 · 14 October 2002]

In 1940,Frank Borzage gave two great movies in a row.In these trouble times ,it was a true tour de force to achieve that."Strange cargo" and "mortal storm" are admirable works,works of redemption,full of compassion for the human race .Hats off to you,M.Borzage,you who are often ignored when they list their favorite directors.

A user wrote that "strange cargo" was ahead of its time.It's so obvious that even now,it remains demanding ,deep,and absorbing.When you see where the adventures movie has gone,the likes of Indiana and co,you wonder that some works like that have been produced. "Strange cargo" anticipates the cinema future.In several respects it's John Huston before John Huston,but with more faith in the human nature. I would go as far as saying the first part is some kind of Bunuel's "la mort en ce jardin"(1956),but a Christian(!) Bunuel.The users who saw the Spanish director 's underrated film will be struck by the analogies between the two works .Gable's and Crawford' characters resemble George Marchal's and Simone Signoret's in "la mort en ce jardin".Or rather the other way about.

The main difference is the indomitable faith in God that Cambreau displays in the whole movie.His face radiates like a Christ,and Ian Hunter outshines the two stars Gable and Crawford.His performance ,subdued and sober,but always mesmerizing ,fascinates.There are unforgettable scenes:the beach ,where he opens the gates of eden for some kind of thief ;the cask of fresh water;his strange predictions;Clark Gable screaming "I'm God!" after throwing him into the water.The movie often verges on fantastic,but a spiritual and sustained fantastic,not drivel such as "IJ and the last crusade".

"Strange cargo" was followed by "mortal storm" ,which iseven more superior to it.Here ,Borzage anticipates on Minnelli "the four horsemen of the Apocalypse" 1961) and Visconti (la caditi degli dei 1969).His love for the human race is still beaming:in a world gone mad where nazi hate oozes everywhere,there will be several Cambreau to heal the wounds :Mr.and Mrs Roth,Martin,Freya and the old Mrs Breitner.

Do not miss his earlier works ,pacifist ones of course :"three comrades " and "no greater glory".Should they give a Nobel price of cinema,Frank Borzage would have been a strong contender in his lifetime.

Something Unusual

[LeonLouisRicci · 7/10 · 13 May 2013]

This is an uncomfortable Film to endure. It has a storyline that ventures from prison escape, to jungle trek, to slutty, wet romance, to Religious Allegory with transitions that are not at all smooth. The Star Power here is on hand to help through the deep concerns with playful bickering and cynical indignation.

In fact, it is a wonder this thing got made at all. What with its, hardly ever filmed heavy handed, Christ analogies the Studio took a chance here at alienating at the least and angering at most many ticket buyers and Social groups. There is a deep Philosophical concern in this otherwise routine Adventure that won't be found in the usual escapism.

It can be quite impressive in its glowing representation of a Saviour that is straight out of the New Testament and placed in the middle of Street Walkers, Murderers, and Thieves in a Jungle setting. There is a Supernatural feel among raw Nature and its handling of redemption is always within a setting of Angelic reflection and soft spoken words.

This Movie will be a matter of taste for most as it can be seen as overdone and dense, melodramatic and melancholy. But it cannot be denied as a truly offbeat affair and for those seeking something unusual from the usual Star and Studio System, this is it.

Spiritual Melodrama without make-up.

[mark.waltz · 5/10 · 21 July 2012]

An all-star cast populates "Strange Cargo", a Josef Von Sternberg like movie made at MGM right before war broke out and a few years before its leading lady, Joan Crawford, departed the studio. Still looking quite attractive without much make-up (if any), Crawford plays an older version of Sadie Thompson ("Rain"), a sinner on Devil's Island who is constantly fighting off the advances of a "rat", M'sieu Pig (Peter Lorre), the most hated man (by prisoners and the warden) on the Island. "You're the one man I'd never get low enough to touch", she tells him. But Clark Gable? Yes, in spite of the fact that he's a prisoner, she can't deny her animal lust towards him. When brutish Moll (Albert Dekker) plans an escape, he keeps Gable from joining him by smashing his head with his shoe; That doesn't keep a movie hero like Gable idle for long, and he makes his own escape. Gable & Crawford end up together, Gable takes over as commander of the escapee's boat, and the other escaped convicts begin to ponder spiritual matters as they face their destiny.

This is an extremely enjoyable movie that could have been too preachy if not handled carefully. Not all of the escapees reform or believe in what the truly religious characters are spouting. Ian Hunter's character is truly the most profound, and there will be some debate as to who he is supposed to be in the minds of the original writers. Hunter, in fact, gives the best performance, not too holier than thou, but certainly the most profound. Paul Lukas, the veteran leading man from the early 30's, plays a basically nice but moral-less man who is in prison for marrying women he then poisons. The others (J. Edward Bromberg, Eduardo Ciannelli, John Aldredge) have completely different purposes. As for Peter Lorre, this is one of the most vile characters he has ever played, and no one plays creepy like Lorre.

While this is certainly not a great film, it is lavishly produced, but is ultimately defeated by the melodramatic screenplay, a few one-dimensional characters, and a bravado of pretentiousness. The chemistry between Gable and Crawford is as affecting as it was in their first film 10 years before, although he was happily married to Carole Lombard at this time. Crawford is brave in taking on a role that seemed to go out of style before the production code came in (films such as "Safe in Hell", "Panama Flo", "Anybody's Woman"), but Gable's overly manly character is lacking much likability. Betty Compson, a star from the early 30's, has a small role as Crawford's pal at the beginning of the film; Her career consisted of roles much like what Crawford is playing here.

Worth A Look

[boscopa-1 · 6 July 2006]

The aptly titled Strange Cargo is both strange and carries a mixed cargo of entertainment nuggets for the casual viewer. It begins as a prison yarn, skirts the boundaries of a religious epic, and ultimately winds up a story of redemption for the hero, Andre Verne. As portrayed by Clark Gable, Verne is tough and cynical; not to mention lecherous and self-serving. His conversion is never convincing but how it comes about is both unexpected and unusual for a studio picture from the era.

Verne is a tough con who is locked up on the infamous Devil's Island, territory that would be trod in further depth in Passage To Marseille with Humphrey Bogart and to a more realistic degree in 1973's Papillon starring Steve McQueen. He is constantly trying to escape; so often that he makes the penal colony look like a ramshackle hotel rather than a brutal work camp. During one of his escapes he is replaced in the prison lineup by a mysterious man who calls himself Cambreau and who seemingly materializes out of nowhere. Verne crosses paths with a dance-hall tart named Julie (Joan Crawford) who fires his interest and her scorn. She turns him in but is herself ordered off the island for having spoken to the convict in the first place; apparently this is a serious no-no. Ultimately Verne joins a prison break that includes Cambreau and he later enlists Julie into the group by some plot turns that will leave a viewer scratching his head. From this point the story switches gears and becomes a story of redemption as Cambreau helps the evil convicts discover the good in their souls before they die off one by one. Julie falls for Verne and he for her although Julie takes it one step further by renouncing the wickedness in her life while failing to persuade Verne to do likewise. After Julie goes off on her own so Verne can escape to America he has an epiphany and returns to prison to finish off his sentence before marrying her.

This is the final Crawford-Gable picture and while Crawford assumes top billing (as she always did) Gable is the real star of the film. Hot on the heels of his success in Gone With the Wind he was at the zenith of his popularity while Crawford was on a downward spiral. As Verne Gable is his typical self: cocky, tough, and faithless. While his character comes across as a smug bastard there is no denying the actor's virility and star power. When he is on screen he wipes nearly everyone else off in a fierce display of animal magnetism. Crawford matches him in wisecracks but her subtle underplaying makes her conversion to the righteous life more convincing than his. There is a sadness and weariness to her performance that suggests her character has lost her way in life and is looking for some method of finding herself again. This she does through the mechanizations of Cambreau and it is a tribute to her acting talents that she pulls it off.

The supporting cast is uniformly good; Peter Lorre is loathsome in a stereotypically slimy role as the prison stooge while Paul Lukas is chilling as the evil Hessler, a murderer of rich women. However, it is the performance of Ian Hunter as Cambreau that is the gem in this film. There has been debate about who Cambreau is and to be sure the movie doesn't come out an say it but to me it is obvious he is Jesus Christ. He has come to redeem Verne and along the way to provide a righteous path for the other characters in the picture. As played by Hunter the character is saintly without being sappy and inspirational without being corny. His interplay with Hessler on several occasions is extremely interesting and one wishes the film focused on this more. Hessler is referred to as the devil on more than one occasion and in the end he is the only one who does not succumb to Cambreau's powers of persuasion. In their last confrontation Hessler comments on how they may cross paths in the future; Cambreau replies in no uncertain terms that they will never meet again. Clearly Hessler is headed South for eternity.

Strange Cargo is an interesting movie from a studio system era that was reluctant to take chances with its stories. Here is a film that covers a lot of ideological territory and does so energetically while retaining the star-making essence of its two leads. On top of this you have a supporting actor stealing the film with a masterful portrayal of Jesus in a modern setting. Enjoy

One of Gable's Best....and Crawford's Too! - Strange Cargo

[arthur_tafero · 6/10 · 9 July 2021]

This is a vastly underrated film. The fact that the Catholic Church condemned it in 1940, is in my estimation, one of the highest compliments you can give a script. And the reason they condemned it was not for the relatively lame sex scenes with Crawford. Those scenes were no worse than Colbert's scenes in It Happened One Night. No, the real reason the Catholic Church banned this film in 1940 was because the protagonist (Ian Hunter) was much more Chirst-like than the official doctrines of the Catholic Church at the time. The philosophical content of the film is considerable. The performances of all three leading players, including Gable and Crawford are outstanding.

Gable shows his darker side in this film, and it is interesting to his character unfold. Crawford, on the other hand, seems to have the crisper dialogue in this wonderfully written screenplay. She is absolutely perfect for this role, as it was not too much of a stretch from her real-life persona. I am not a big Crawford fan, but she does a great job in this film. Her and Gable were a real-life item off the big screen as well. She was not a beautiful woman, like several of her contemporary actresses, but she was certainly in total control of all the assets she did have. She had a harder heart than an IRS bill collector. Don't miss this gem of a film.

Strange Cargo: Thought for Criminals ***

[edwagreen · 7/10 · 17 September 2013]

An incorrigible Clark Gable seeks to constantly escape from a penal colony in Guiana in this 1940 production.

After several failed attempts and punishments ranging from solitary confinement for periods of over a year, he and others finally succeed.

Joan Crawford is a tough talking lady who is banished from the colony when Gable, during one of his attempts to escape, is discovered in her room.

There is a fine supporting cast led by Ian Holm as an optimist,Paul Lukas as a pessimist and Peter Lorre as the Pig. He'll sell anyone out for the mighty dollar.

There is also an inspector Javert character. Eduardo Ciannelli is totally out of his character with a fine performance as a religious convict who loses faith only to regain it before death. Holm is a religious type convict. There is also a young guy, once a medical student. It is hard to fathom how some of these characters turned against the law.

The ending may be a surprise to others. Does religion always win out?

Crawford Likes Them Heels

[DKosty123 · 7/10 · 24 March 2011]

This film can be viewed as a message film if you read a lot into it. My take is the message of Hunters Christ like character is pretty thin. Clark Gable has a strong performance in this one, directly following his Gone With The Wind performance. In this one, he actually is a criminal unlike GWTW where Rhett Butler was a cad, but not a convicted felon.

Joan Crawford is quite amazing in this as she is a beautiful in this one as in any of her films. The version I watch on TCM recently has several scenes where she has a torn dress & is lifting it to reveal some really nice legs. The main weakness in this movie with her character is here she is roughing it on an island & escaping into swamps with Gable, and yet she is still wearing high heels and is shown adjusting her lip stick and make up.

Peter Lorre as M'sieu Pig is in prime form here as the man who could rat out Gable who everyone thinks is dead. Crawford offers to give herself to Lorre to protect him so he can run away to Cuba. Ian Hunter plays his character just understated enough that he doesn't preach.

In the end, this film ends quite well though it does not settle exactly what is going to happen to Gable when he fore goes his Cuba escape and turns himself in to face the music.

Paradox and Transformation in Strange Cargo

[davidfmaas · 10/10 · 20 August 2009]

Paradox and Transformation in Strange Cargo David F. Maas [e-mail] Hawkins, Texas

I have been enthralled by the movie Strange Cargo since seeing it as a nine year old boy on television in the middle 1950's. I purchased my own VHS copy of this movie in 1995, at the age of 51, watching it dozens and dozens of times, continually fascinated by the symbolism, the philosophical focus, and the stark adventure of a bold escape from a jungle penal colony controlled by the French off the coast of Guiana. This summer, at the age of 65, I bought a seasoned copy of Richard Sale's novel Not Too Narrow, Not Too Deep from Amazon.com, hoping to peel off a few more layers of meaning.

Surprisingly, I concluded that Lawrence Hazard's screenplay was far superior to the Richard Sale novel upon which it was based, having a much tighter allegorical construction. Hazard thoroughly deconstructed the novel but stayed faithful to the philosophical core. The screenplay graphically describes the remarkable transformations or conversions from selfish to altruistic life views of six convicts and a sultry nightclub singer escaping to freedom through a dense tropical forest.

The catalyst for their transformations is a mysterious Christ figure named Jean Cambreau (Ian Hunter). The sultry nightclub singer Julie (Joan Crawford), ordered off the island by the warden for fraternizing with the prisoners, falls in love with a thief Andre Verne (Clark Gable) after he reads to her the romantic words of Solomon's Song of Songs. She altruistically plans to resign herself to an unhappy marriage with M'sieu Pig (Peter Lorre), a professional stool pigeon, in order to allow Verne to escape. A ruthless killer Moll (Albert Dekker) altruistically sacrifices his life as he drinks from a cask which has absorbed salt water.

Andre Verne, who almost escapes to freedom aboard a fishing boat, endangers his own life saving Cambreau, whom he has moments before attempted to drown. Paradoxically, Verne learns that true liberty or freedom consists not in escaping from law but in acquiescing to the law. Instead of deriving satisfaction from coveting and stealing things—he yielded to a wholesome love relationship and playing by the rules. He learned that when we play by the rules, we have freedom right now. Freedom and contentment is a condition independent from circumstances, a condition originating in the heart or mind.

At the end of the movie, Cambreau and the fisherman (played by Victor Varconi) who nearly brought Andre Verne to freedom had a very telling dialogue:

Fisherman: He won't be sorry? Cambreau: No fisherman. He won't. Fisherman: And everything will be all right for them someday? Cambreau: Everything is all right—now.

A Simple Thriller with a Moving Twist

[dmdavis-687-77066 · 7/10 · 16 May 2013]

When you first start watching this movie, it seems like a pretty straight forward prison escape movie, with good actors (Gable, Crawford, Hunter and Lukas) but nothing to "write home" about. Then one of the characters portrays a palpable and unusual sense of grace and empathy toward those around him. This and other incidents soon move the plot from a simple thriller into a depiction of spiritual grace that can be very moving. Those at peace with their own faith will be able to appreciate the message, whether it is in accord with their own beliefs or not. Those who are still tortured by where they stand in the cosmos may find it unsettling and my heart goes out to them in their suffering. A sign of good acting and good directing is when there is a story line that sounds really off-kilter, but the action on the screen rings true. That was the impact this movie had on me. Kudos to the crew for telling a story of grace, redemption and the power of acceptance in such an effective, yet unobtrusive way.

A story of essential goodness versus evil

[overseer-3 · 9/10 · 26 January 2006]

Director Frank Borzage ("Seventh Heaven", "Street Angel", "Lucky Star", "The Mortal Storm", "Three Comrades", etc.) was rather famous for making pictures with a spiritual, yet practical edge to them. Here he succeeds once again in Strange Cargo (1940), which almost could have been a precode, it was that good.

The story involves a group of convicts and a prostitute who are making a break from a prison island to gain their freedom and new lives, traveling through dangerous jungles to reach the sea and a waiting boat. Although most of them hate each other at the beginning, strange events cause them to re-examine their lives and even make incredible sacrifices for one another along the way.

The cast is generally excellent, particularly Ian Hunter, who plays the good man, Cambreau, who acts as a Godly peacemaker, a Jesus symbol, to the evil, unsympathetic characters who abound in this film. His character proves that even a mere mortal man with a great and firm faith, a man not a priest or a minister, could lead sinful people to repentance with gentle words from the scripture and from his personal examples of good deeds. Either that, or his character was simply a male angel. The Bible says you can meet angels unawares.

This is one reason why I love the movies from old Hollywood; they weren't afraid to tackle subjects about spirituality vs. sin. Today they don't think sin exists anymore in Hollywood (ha!) so there is no need to moralize about anyone's changed behavior.

Joan Crawford had some good scenes in this film, but it takes awhile for the audience to feel sympathy for her. A couple of times I thought I was watching her again in Rain, a film she hated because it didn't do well at the box office. Joan simply does not strike me as a spiritual person, so she really had to ACT to play a remorseful person who changed for the better. It never really rings true though, although she tried her best.

I did enjoy seeing silent film actress Betty Compson, even briefly, as Joan's friend. How sad that more of her minor sound films have survived, but her silent classics have been lost. She was a very big star in her day, but by the 1930's she was forced into mostly B pictures.

Clark Gable seems an uncouth, rough choice for the prisoner Verne, and his last scene in the boat with Cambreau made me laugh, and I don't feel I should have been laughing at such a dramatic moment. He missed the mark for me. Like Joan, I don't think Gable was a spiritual person either, so they were a good match here, in an odd kind of way. I would really have loved to have seen two other actors play these parts.

Perhaps one of the best performances here is from Paul Lukas, as Hessler, the atheist. It's amazing how quickly I can pick out the atheist characters in films; they seem to have a brittle, angry edge to them, a continual chip on their shoulders, they are never at peace, and Paul displayed these qualities in abundance in this film. He is the only character who refuses to change after his encounters with Cambreau. Watch his face in his last scene and close-up. For one instant he is reconsidering the path he will take, sinner or saint, but then shouts "No!" to himself and walks away angrily into his atheist night. Very powerful and realistic, although sad at the same time.

Others here raved about Peter Lorre's performance as "Pig" but it didn't really impress me. His character seemed like just a silly spider in the background, one that should have simply been stepped on right at the beginning, rather than tolerated for too long. He didn't seem threatening enough to me.

Overall, a fascinating, thought provoking film, not for the squeamish. If you are looking for something different, and you are not afraid to face your own prejudices against people of faith, see Strange Cargo.

Divine intervention on Devil's Island

[tomsview · 8/10 · 12 June 2022]

This would have been just another old escape from Devil's Island film if it wasn't for Ian Hunter's mysterious character.

The film has an amazing cast with everyone trading off their well-established screen personas. Tough talking Clark Gable's convict Verne, bickers with tough talking Joan Crawford as Julie, a saloon girl caught up in the escape. There is Peter Lorre creepily invading Julie's personal space, and Paul Lukas as a philosophical wife killer while Albert Decker exudes danger this time with a Hollywood Cockney accent.

Then there is Cambreau played by Ian Hunter. His character is often referred to as Christ-like. It caused drama with the church; there were bans and edits all over the place. However he operates more like a guardian angel, like Dudley in "The Bishop's Wife" or Clarence in "It's a Wonderful Life". Although Cambreau does intervene in the fortunes of the escaping convicts, he's more concerned with helping them realise their better selves, especially Verne and Julie.

The film has a definite mood despite being shot mostly on the soundstage with jungle one step up from a garden centre. However this Devil's Island isn't Papillion's and has a warden almost as enlightened as Cambreau.

Warren G. Harris in "Clark Gable A Biography" gave insights into the making of the film, despite mixing up French Guiana with New Guinea. He reveals the tension on the set between Gable and Crawford. They had been lovers, but it was over, certainly from his end.

Incidentally Crawford actually looks fabulous in this film. Harris states that she refused to wear makeup or false eyelashes, her natural look is a surprise.

Gable was the favourite star of my generation's mothers, the women who grew up in the 20's and 30s. Clark Gable was their perfect man. He was big (6'1"); he had a big head, big hands, big ears and a big grin. Maybe they sensed he was a man for tough times. After all, the guy joined the Air Force and flew five combat missions over Germany in B17s with a photographic team. He took so many risks his superiors wanted him grounded; who would want to lose Clark Gable on their watch?

I've seen "Strange Cargo" many times over the years, but I'm always glad to take the journey again.

Moments of beauty, stretches of nonsense

[gross-6 · 4/10 · 6 March 2001]

Hollywood, the home of hype, glamor and the search for profits, is scarcely ruled by spiritual values, and so it comes as no surprise that its attempts at investigations of the spiritual life are thin and often silly (better to go farther afield--to the films of Bresson, Dreyer, Rossellini and Bergman, for probing depictions of the spirituality). "Strange Cargo" is no exception. This odd hybrid of adventure film, love story and religious parable trivializes the very insights it tries to communicate. That a figure of providence and salvation would work to match Verne (Clark Gable at his most cockily mannered and self-regarding) and Julie (Joan Crawford, snarling and spitting out every other word in an attempt to be the Queen of Tough Dames) seems ludicrous at best. Is this the Patron Saint of the Star System at work, matching warring egos before sending them off to further penal servitude on the M-G-M lot? BUT. . .there are good supporting performances here, and visually arresting moments: the shadowy prison barracks; the escaping boat by moonlight, or against a painterly cloudscape; Julie walking along the seafront as the wind whips up; Julie and Monsieur Pig (Peter Lorre) bargaining for Verne's freedom as the storm builds; an unusually ennobling gay prison romance between two convicts. . .Above all, there is Paul Lukas's dignified and detached performance as Hessler, a murderer who can appreciate Cambreau's virtues, yet turns his back on him. In the film's most arresting moment, Hessler, having left Cambreau, stands outside the cabin. We hear the wind through the jungle, see the shadows on his face, which conveys a moment of fear and self-doubt. Then he exits into the night. In this moment, Hessler achieves an ambiguity, depth and existential strength that none of the other characters manage to achieve. is the film's secret that its deepest sympathies are allied with Hessler?

great

[robertc39 · 20 December 2003]

When I first saw this movie, over 30 years ago, I was captivated by it and still am. Unfortunately they do not show it often enough. Gable, Crawford, Lorre, Lukas all great and surely missed. Truely one of the lost gems of the Golden Age. Have not seen in years and can not wait until it is shown again.

Superb film of redemption; outclasses most other pics of the era

[vincentlynch-moonoi · 8/10 · 26 August 2013]

When I first began watching this film I almost turned if off. The idea of a less than prim woman meeting a man in a penal colony just seemed so outlandish. Fortunately, I stuck with it, and it turns out to be a very good film that is far more complex that one might first imagine. The Joan Crawford angle remains, but that doesn't detract from a more realistic prison escape tale.

There are actually 3 different stories being told here: Gable and the other escapees, Crawford and her exodus, and what is between Gable and Crawford. And for much of the movie, the 3 tales are separate, making each more interesting. And then there's the allegorical figure of Cambreau, brilliantly played by Ian Hunter in one of his very best roles.

There are some wonderful scenes here, including Gable falling into quicksand and great special effects during the storms at sea...for starters. And, thankfully the print being shown on TCM is extremely crisp and clean.

The cast here really is quite good. Joan Crawford doesn't overact here...really conducts herself quite well...appears very plain and nearly without makeup most of the movie. Gable is Gable, which is enough in any movie, but here it's interesting to note that this is such a very different film and character from the little flick he made just before this one -- "Gone With The Wind". Incidentally, it's interesting that Crawford got top billing here over Gable! As mentioned, Ian Hunter has one of his very best roles in this film. Peter Lorre has an interesting character...sleazy...essential at the beginning and ending of the film. Paul Lukas is an actor I am often impressed with, though not so much here...not bad, but not outstanding as he often was. Albert Dekker is believable and restrained as the most evil among the prisoners escaping; I wondered if there was the implication of homosexuality in his character and his relationship with a younger prisoner. J. Edward Bromberg has an interesting little role as a sniveling prisoner, although his importance wanes through much of the film. Eduardo Ciannelli is one of those character actors who was always so good, and is here. John Arledge is rather forgettable. Frederick Worlock is convincing as the warden.

The role of Ian Hunter...hmmmm...was he Christ? I think the answer is yes. Note in particular when he is floundering in the sea...he holds onto the piece of wood almost as if it is the cross. Very interesting.

Highly recommended!