Tondelayo

I was reading another members review on this movie and just was wondering what this member expected when he came across it. It was a simple jungle movie ( without the animals ). In fact the only animal that i found in this movie was that feline femme fatale Hedy Lamarr. The woman was dropped dead gorgeous, and true the lines weren't what you would expect as in a Shakespeare play, but it was campy. I defied any actress of that day, yes, that goes for Davis and Hepburn would of made it any better with those lines. Personally, they didn't have what Hedy had, the physical attributes that was required. I suggest that if your looking for great acting then go to Broadway. As i watched this movie, I couldn't help but see a parallel to that movie Jaws. Remember, you don't get to see the shark until the movie is almost over. In this one, they were setting up Hedy as Tondelayo, for she didn't appear until a half hour or so into it and boy, when she appeared, I actually felt the heat of that Jungle. Watch it and enjoy it for what it is, nothing more, nothing less, but you'll not forget Tondelayo.

Why wasn't this mentioned in the "Bad Movies We Love" book? Hedy looks great and acts badly, and generally seems to be having the time of her life as a Native Girl interested only in cheap sex and even cheaper jewelry. She seems ecstatic whenever she has a whip in her hand, and delivers her lines with gorgeous pouts and stimulating winks. But beware! She doesn't appear for the first thirty minutes, which we spend listening to White Males bark at each other about how miserable they are. A little bit too much like being at work!

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.

Hollywood used to turn out some great bad movies, and "White Cargo" is one of the greatest and baddest. People who complain that it's unrealistic are missing the boat. Except for the jungle heat, the isolation of the white guys, and location shots of what looks like a rubber plantation, this movie doesn't even pretend to be real. It's pulp fiction of the old school. You watch it to forget your troubles, and if you're like me (a guy), Hedy Lamar will make 'em vanish like bubbles. Because it combines shameless sensationalism and with solid melodramatic performances (especially from Lamar, Pidgeon, and Wizard-of-Oz Frank Morgan), even my wife liked it.

OK, Hollywood and America were a lot more racist in 1942 than now. We get it. But this movie isn't about race, imperialism, natural resources, or any of those other trendy topics, it's about the sensual power of Tondelayo.

Goofy makeup and all, it would have been tough to find any actress of any ethnicity who could top Hedy Lamar in the leading role. Tondie, an incarnation of Eve like you wouldn't believe, unites all misogynist female stereotypes into one purring package: she's mysterious, wild, stupid, primitive, insincere, manipulative, beautiful, evil, greedy, relentless, sadomasochistic, homicidal, and did I mention sexy? That all adds up to "irresitible" in the logic of this movie. The fact that she's the only woman within a hundred miles is certainly part of her charm.

And yes, as she drives Richard Carlson batty, Hedy Lamar really communicates all those things with her movements, her delivery, and, toughest to do, her glances. Her eyes alone reveal her mind switching from evil to stupid to greedy in rapid succession.

"White Cargo" is a demented fantasy sequel to Conrad's great story "Heart of Darkness," or an academic poindexter could argue that it is. But ignore that. Blatant junk movies today are pretentious, gory, and tedious. But not "White Cargo." It isn't as complicated or ingenious as "Gilda," but it comes close enough on the Meter of Marvelous Trash. Great fun if you love the ridiculous!

This film certainly was not one of the best films of 1942. However, I do believe it succeeds as purely escapist entertainment. Yes, the plot was silly, the script was poor, and the performances were mostly indifferent; but Hedy's entrance, with the line 'My name is Tondelayo', became a vintage moment in film history. She was a beguiling and breathtakingly beauty, and she seemed to enjoy this role. Hedy made this a major box-office hit in 1942, and became a pin-up favorite of many WW2 vets. This was a showcase for Hedy's beauty, as previously noted the cinematography was very good. Note, the use of shadows against Hedy's face, to accentuate every incredible feature. The one thing that annoyed me, was the insufferably long and boring 30 minutes or more, before Hedy made her entrance

All criticisms aside though, a film like this needs to be viewed, within the context of escapist film entertainment, circa 1942. The studios were cranking out many more films than they do today. The world was within the grips of the worst war in history, and nearly half of the country's population was going to the movies, at least once a week! There were great films being released, but most films were released just to entertain audiences, who would then have an excuse to buy popcorn and perhaps a soda. So this campy movie was made, with Hedy Lamarr as the incredibly beautiful and seductive Tondelayo, and made millions for MGM. Thus, 'White Cargo' with legendary beauty Hedy Lamarr rates a 7/10, for providing some fairly mindless, but visually compelling entertainment.