White Cargo
“"I am TONDELAYO"”
Synopsis
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.
Top Cast
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Hedy Lamarr
Tondelayo
Walter Pidgeon
Mr. 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
Richard Ainley
Mr. Worthing
Jim Davis
Seaplane Pilot (uncredited)
John Burton
Jim Benson (uncredited)
Delos Jewkes
Native Singer (uncredited)
Martin Wilkins
Native Prisoner (uncredited)
Ed Allen
Native Drug Seller (uncredited)
Release History & Theatrical Window
December 12, 1942
Wide Cinema Exhibition
Key Information & Fast Facts
- Director
- Richard Thorpe
- Screenplay & Story
- Leon Gordon
- Original Score
- Bronislau Kaper, Daniele Amfitheatrof
- Original Title
- White Cargo
- Country of Origin
- United States of America
- Spoken Languages
- English
- Runtime
- 1h 28m
- Production Studios
- Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer
Creative Leadership & Key Crew
Richard Thorpe
Leon Gordon, Ida Vera Simonton
Bronislau Kaper, Daniele Amfitheatrof
Harry Stradling Sr.
Fredrick Y. Smith
Victor Saville
Department Leadership Roster
Richard Thorpe
Director
Leon Gordon
Screenplay
Victor Saville
Producer
Bronislau Kaper
Original Music Composer
Harry Stradling Sr.
Director of Photography
Fredrick Y. Smith
Editor
Daniele Amfitheatrof
Original Music Composer
Age Classification & Content Advisories
Official viewer rating standards and content warnings across international classification boards.
NR: Not Rated — Evaluated outside standard classification boards.
International Certification Matrix
Not Rated — Evaluated outside standard classification boards.
Production Stills & Gallery
Official cinematic photography and background stills for White Cargo.
Featured In Curated Collections
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Frequently Asked Questions About White Cargo
Quick factual answers about cast, synopsis, director, box office, and release information.
What is White Cargo about?
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.
Who directed White Cargo?
White Cargo was directed by Richard Thorpe.
Who stars in White Cargo?
The principal cast of White Cargo includes Hedy Lamarr, Walter Pidgeon, Frank Morgan, Richard Carlson, Reginald Owen.
When was White Cargo released and how long is it?
White Cargo was released in 1942 with a total runtime of 1h 28m.
Who composed the musical score for White Cargo?
The original motion picture soundtrack for White Cargo was composed by Bronislau Kaper, Daniele Amfitheatrof.
Is White Cargo based on a book or true story?
White Cargo is adapted from the following source material: Novel: "Ida Vera Simonton".
What is the age rating and content advisory for White Cargo?
White Cargo holds official age classifications: US: NR (Not Rated — Evaluated outside standard classification boards.).