Human Cargo

Thanks to a friend's discovery of a print, I was finally able to view this little gem from Fox Films. Director Alan Dwan does a great job here and is provided a very good cast, including Brian Donlevy and Claire Trevor (who was to work with Dwan on a half dozen films at Fox--titles like NAVY WIFE and the marvelous ONE MILE FROM HEAVEN). Set in the brutal world of alien smuggling, it tells the story of a hard nosed reporter and a wannabe reporter from society who mix it up as they try to get to the mysterious leader of the gang--men who think nothing of drowning their "human cargoes" in reservoirs or killing cops. This is a fast paced film with a lot of snappy dialogue and Rita Hayworth as an alien who ends up dancing in a club for a vicious killer. Some great character actors including Alan Dinehart and Ralph Morgan help things along nicely. Good "B" made on the cusp between Fox and 20th Century Fox as the closing credits suggest. Must see viewing for Rita fans and those who like good action "B" movies. Bob Connors (yrkconnors@yahoo.com).