Convicts escaping from Devil's Island come under the influence of a strange Christ-like figure (Ian Hunter).Convicts escaping from Devil's Island come under the influence of a strange Christ-like figure (Ian Hunter).Convicts escaping from Devil's Island come under the influence of a strange Christ-like figure (Ian Hunter).
Frederick Worlock
- Grideau
- (as Frederic Worlock)
Jack Adair
- Guard
- (uncredited)
Richard Alexander
- Guard
- (uncredited)
Stanley Andrews
- Constable
- (uncredited)
Betty Compson
- Suzanne
- (uncredited)
Gene Coogan
- Convict
- (uncredited)
Harry Cording
- Guard
- (uncredited)
Storyline
Did you know
- TriviaReceived a "Condemned" rating from the Catholic Legion of Decency for "irreverent use of Scripture" and "lustful complications." Even after the studio made the changes demanded, distribution was sharply cut by cities refusing to book it. Contemporary articles in The Hollywood Reporter noted the film was banned in Detroit. Other sources state it also was banned in Boston and Providence, Rhode Island.
- GoofsAt one point, Verne (Clark Gable) escapes by jumping out a window into the water. A short while later, on land, he pulls a out a Bible from inside his shirt to check a map printed inside. As he flips through the pages, there is no sign whatsoever that the book got wet. The unprotected Bible should have shown signs of water immersion (damp edges, soggy paper, etc.), but it appears to be perfectly dry.
- Quotes
André Verne: So you outsmarted me, huh?
Julie: That's what happens, they tell me, when smart people get together. One of them winds up ahead.
- Alternate versionsThere is an Italian edition of this film on DVD, distributed by DNA Srl: "VOLTO DI DONNA (1941) + DONNE (1939) + STRANGE CARGO (1940)" (3 Films on a single DVD), re-edited with the contribution of film historian Riccardo Cusin. This version is also available for streaming on some platforms.
- ConnectionsFeatured in Hero at Large (1980)
Featured review
Breathtaking and Satisfying Gem!
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!
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!
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- Claire-P-1
- Aug 1, 2003
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Details
Box office
- Budget
- $1,252,000 (estimated)
- Runtime1 hour 53 minutes
- Color
- Aspect ratio
- 1.37 : 1
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