Review by planktonrules

"Gambling Ship" is a rather obscure early Cary Grant film. Because it's so early, the studios didn't quite know what to do with Grant, as he hadn't developed an on-screen persona yet. That's why they have him playing a part he never would have done just a bit later...playing a mobster of all characters!

When the film begins, Ace (Grant) has just narrowly been acquitted for some crime. This close call is a wake-up call for him and he decides to retire from the mob. On the way out of town, he meets a lovely lady (Bonita Hume) on the train and you can imagine them both falling in love and settling down together. NOT SO FAST!! She also has a secret...as she's just left her life of crime as well! Neither knows the other's secret! How does all this play out and what does this have to do with an off-shore gambling ship?

In addition to seeing Grant as a mobster, the film was unusual because it also features Roscoe Karns as a gangster as well...sort of like an enforcer type! Karns specialized in playing mousy sorts of guys...the opposite of this character!

So is it any good? Well, it's not bad. Overall, it's an enjoyable little film but not exactly a must-see for most viewers...more a film that is best for Cary Grant fans who want to see his early work and see him in a VERY different role.