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.

Enjoyed this black & white 1942 film dealing with a British rubber plantation in Africa where Mr. Harry Witzel, (Walter Pidgeon) is in charge of the operations. The conditions on this plantation is very hot and humid and you go to bed sweating and wake up the same way in complete discomfort. There is a young man named Mr. Langford, (Richard Carlson) who has been hired on the plantation and is eager to make big changes in his new position, but the climate soon breaks him down, except he does meet up with a very sexy native gal named Tondelayo, (Hedy Lamarr) who wraps him around her little finger in more ways than one. Veteran actor Frank Morgan plays the role as an alcoholic doctor who gives a great supporting role and Hedy Lamarr gave a great acting performance as a very dangerous and sexy gal who always gets what she wants. Enjoy.

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.

Almost every film buff would watch this and immediately write WHITE CARGO (1942) off the map due to the 'anti camp' syndrome. Although this movie is definitely campy, it is still a work of art. Take it to the camping ground and watch it at night by the fire. There is a certain magic to this movie that is sure to make the atmosphere of s'mores and grilled hot dogs all the more enjoyable.

HEDY LAMARR's caked-on brown makeup reminded me of Jennifer Jones' 'Pearl Chavez' in the (at times) campy classic DUEL IN THE SUN(which is a personal favorite of mine) made four years later in 1946. LAMARR has an over the top accent that is hardly believable. However, she pulled it off! Believe me, White Cargo is worth it just to see Hedy sweat on her dark skin wearing a one-piece bikini top throughout this movie! Walter Pigeon is a flame of fire all the way to the end. Very obscure part for Walter to be playing with such intensity.

The story takes absurd and wild twists and turns and is nothing if not purely fun entertainment. It doesn't have a long runtime, only about 80 minutes or so. It's not a large commitment of time. If you are a fan of camp, don't miss this classic.

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!