Convicts escaping from Devil's Island come under the influence of a strange Christ-like figure.Convicts escaping from Devil's Island come under the influence of a strange Christ-like figure.Convicts escaping from Devil's Island come under the influence of a strange Christ-like figure.
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
An unusual and well-acted redemption drama with strong performances by all the actors. The plot follows a group of convicts from their prison break to their deaths or final "escapes." The Christ figure, Cambreau, serves as the collective conscience that each deals with or denies.
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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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