White Cargo (1942)

The story takes place at a British plantation in Africa where Tondelayo entices all the Brits, especially Harry Witzel.

Director:

Richard Thorpe

Writers:

Ida Vera Simonton (novel), Leon Gordon (play)

Stars:

Hedy Lamarr, Walter Pidgeon, Frank Morgan

Cast

Complete credited cast:
Hedy Lamarr	...	Tondelayo
Walter Pidgeon	...	Harry Witzel
Frank Morgan	...	The Doctor
Richard Carlson	...	Mr. Langford
Reginald Owen	...	Skipper of the Congo Queen
Henry O'Neill	...	The Reverend Dr. Roberts
Bramwell Fletcher	...	Wilbur Ashley
Clyde Cook	...	Ted - First Mate of the Congo Queen
Leigh Whipper	...	Jim Fish
Oscar Polk	...	Umeela
Darby Jones	...	Darby - The Doctor's Houseboy
Richard Ainley	...	Mr. Worthing

Storyline

In Africa early in World War II, a British rubber plantation executive reminisces about his arrival in the Congo in 1910. He tells the story of a love-hate triangle involving Harry Witzel, an in-country station superintendent who'd seen it all, Langford, a new manager sent from England for a four-year stint, and Tondelayo, a siren of great beauty who desires silk and baubles. Witzel is gruff and seasoned, certain that Langford won't be able to cut it. Langford responds with determination and anger, attracted to Tondelayo because of her beauty, her wiles, and to get at Witzel. Manipulation, jealousy, revenge, and responsibility play out as alliances within the triangle shift.

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Plot Keywords:

self destructiveness | plantation | africa | rubber plantation | jealousy | 

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Taglines:

MEET TONDELAYO...TANTALIZING TEMPTRESS OF THE TROPICS! Fickle! Flirtatious! Dangerous! Her Kisses...driving men half mad! (Print Ad-Albany Times-Union ((Albany, NY)) 13 January 1943)

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Genres:

Adventure | Drama

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Certificate:

Passed

Did You Know?

Trivia

The play opened on Broadway, New York City, New York, USA on 5 November 1923 and had 257 performances.

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Goofs

The doctor hands a small bottle to Tondelayo and describes it only as "new medicine." However, when giving a dose to her husband she calls it "quinine" - a medical term she would unlikely know with her limited command of English.

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Quotes

The Doctor: [applies alcohol to the native's foot] Kind of stings, hey? You can imagine what it does to the lining of your stomach!
[takes another drink]

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Connections

Edited into Hollywood: The Dream Factory (1972)

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Soundtracks

The Oceana Roll
(1911) (uncredited)
Music by Lucien Denni
Lyrics by Roger Lewis
Played on a concertina and danced by Clyde Cook

User Reviews

I am Tondelayo.

One can only wonder how many posters of Hedy Lamarr as Tondelayo were pinned up by soldiers in WWII. She is seductive and appealing and downright hot as a half African who spends the entire film in bra and sarong. Most of the time she is striking seductive poses and lounging on a couch showing off her magnificent body that matches her unequaled facial features.

This is a comedy for the most part, and it is really funny. Frank Morgan is back, not a The Pirate, but as a drunken doctor that has probably been drummed out of the medical establishment and can only get work on this African plantation.

Walter Pidgeon, who would go one to capture two Oscar nominations in the next two years (Mrs. Miniver, Madame Curie), was the leader of the plantation and the colonial law. He was hilarious as a succession of new assistants arrived in white, freshly starched clothing from the Mother Country, and all said the exact same words that drove him nuts.

Of course, he warned all of them about Tondelayo, even banning her from the camp, but it was useless as they all succumbed to her charms.

A must-see for those who appreciate what made our fathers happy in the Big One.

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

12 December 1942 (USA)

Also Known As:

White Cargo

Filming Locations:

Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios - 10202 W. Washington Blvd., Culver City, California, USA

Company Credits

Production Co:

Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM)

Technical Specs

Runtime:

88 min

Sound Mix:

Mono (Western Electric Sound System)

Color:

Black and White

Aspect Ratio:

1.37 : 1