Strange Cargo (1940)

Strange Cargo
Directed by Frank Borzage
Written by Lawrence Hazard based on the book “Not Too Narrow … Not Too Deep” by Richard Sale
1940/USA
Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer
First viewing/Netflix rental

[box] Julie: And as for going around with you, I still pick my own gutters[/box]

This one sounded like it might be just terrible but I ended up loving it.

Verne (Clark Cable) is imprisoned on an island off the coast of Africa.  He has attempted escape many times but after he is released from solitary confinement the warden decides to let him work as a longshoreman at the port.  There he spots Julie (Joan Crawford) – occupation unspecified but evidently a shady lady.  Verne hasn’t seen a woman in a long time and takes off to have his way with her.  His escape is covered by the appearance of mysterious convict Cambreau (Ian Hunter) who takes his place in the line of prisoners returning to the dormitory.  But Julie turns him in when he tries to grab her at the bar in which she works.

Back at the dormitory, Verne discovers that arch rival Moll (Albert Dekker) has organized an escape attempt and muscles his way into the party.  Moll attempts to foil his plans by braining him with a shoe but Cambreau spirits the escape map to Verne in a Bible while he lies in the infirmary and Verne catches up with the group.  Julie, who has been deported, also catches up with the men after Verne frees her from a kidnapper.

Cambreau has an uncanny ability to predict the future and aids the group in reaching the boat and eventually shore. Many of the party die before they can reach freedom though and Cambreau gives each an opportunity to reconcile with God.  Some take it and others do not.  Cambreau also takes a special interest in Verne and Julie’s budding relationship. With Peter Lorre as an informant and creep, Eduardo Cianelli as a “born-again” convict, and Paul Lukas as a worldly-wise serial wife murderer.

This mystical Christ-allegory sounds just ludicrous but is saved by its sensitive touch and some great acting.  This is one of Clark Gable’s very best performances – he is at his uber-macho best throughout but there is one point when he has tears in his eyes that is incredibly moving.  The names of the actors tell the story about the rest of the ensemble cast.  Ian Hunter is fantastic as Cambreau.  He manages to be saintly without being sappy. I am hit and miss with Borzage but this was a hit.  Recommended.

Strange Cargo was condemned by the Catholic Legion of Decency for “irreverent use of Scripture” and “lustful complications.”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dTs2I974RdA

Trailer