Witzel (Walter Pidgeon) supervises the workers at an African rubber plantation. Only the doctor (Frank Morgan) stayed as long in the jungle as Witzel did, and this life in a merciless climate has had its effect on them both. While the doctor became a drunkard, Witzel found refuge in cynicism, offending everyone around. When Langford (Richard Carlson) arrives at the plantation to assist Witzel, the boss tells him 'You haven't got what it takes. Go back home! Every native here laughs at you behind your back'. The newbie is determined to resist this attack ('Once I'm acclimatized...'), but then everything becomes even more difficult due to a mysterious lady named Tondelayo (Hedy Lamarr).
Well, you know it's not going to be a masterpiece as soon as you see Hedy Lamarr painted black, reminded me of Orson Welles as Othello... except for the dialog. And since 'White Cargo' is based on a stage play, it takes place almost entirely in the same hut. However, the story of the strange beauty leading men into temptation and the basic situation that these few men far away from home depend on each other is good enough to make the movie watchable.
Well, you know it's not going to be a masterpiece as soon as you see Hedy Lamarr painted black, reminded me of Orson Welles as Othello... except for the dialog. And since 'White Cargo' is based on a stage play, it takes place almost entirely in the same hut. However, the story of the strange beauty leading men into temptation and the basic situation that these few men far away from home depend on each other is good enough to make the movie watchable.