Strange Cargo (1940 film)

Strange Cargo is a 1940 American drama film directed by Frank Borzage and starring Joan Crawford, Clark Gable, and Ian Hunter. The screenplay by Casey Robinson and W.R. Burnett is based on the 1936 novel of the same name by author Richard Sale.

Plot Summary

The film follows a group of convicts, both men and women, imprisoned on a penal colony in French Guiana. Their lives intertwine as they struggle with their sentences, their relationships, and their hopes for redemption or escape. The harsh conditions and moral ambiguities of their existence form the backdrop of the story. Joan Crawford plays the role of a hardened criminal, while Clark Gable portrays a seemingly incorruptible man unjustly imprisoned. Their complex relationship forms a central part of the narrative. The film explores themes of guilt, forgiveness, and the search for meaning within the context of severe confinement.

Cast

• Joan Crawford as Julie
• Clark Gable as Frenchy
• Ian Hunter as Dr. Howard
• Peter Lorre as Vogel
• Albert Dekker as Captain Duval
• Eduardo Ciannelli as Joseph

Production

The film was produced by Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM) and was notable for its atmospheric cinematography and its exploration of morally complex characters.

Reception

Critical reception at the time of release was mixed, with some praising the film's dramatic intensity and others criticizing its melodrama. The film is now considered a notable example of Hollywood's treatment of prison narratives and romantic dramas of the era.

Legacy

''Strange Cargo'' remains relatively obscure compared to other films from the same era starring its lead actors, but it retains a following among classic film enthusiasts. Its themes of redemption and the complexities of human nature continue to resonate with audiences.