{{Use dmy dates|date=June 2016}} {{Use British English|date=June 2016}} {{Infobox film | name = Hell's Cargo | image = Hell's Cargo.jpg | caption = American release poster | director = Harold Huth | producer = Walter C. Mycroft | writer = {{ubl|Léo Joannon (story)|Dudley Leslie}} | narrator = | starring = {{ubl|Walter Rilla|Kim Peacock|Robert Newton}} | music = | cinematography = Philip Tannura | editing = Lionel Tomlinson | studio = Associated British Picture Corporation | distributor = Associated British Film Distributors | released = {{Film date|1939|11|16|df=yes}} | runtime = 79 minutes | country = United Kingdom | language = English | budget = | gross = }} '''''Hell's Cargo''''' is a 1939 British adventure film directed by Harold Huth and starring Walter Rilla, Kim Peacock and Robert Newton.<ref name="BFIsearch">{{Cite web |title=Hell's Cargo |url=https://collections-search.bfi.org.uk/web/Details/ChoiceFilmWorks/150034143 |access-date=8 January 2026 |website=British Film Institute Collections Search}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=BFI {{!}} Film & TV Database {{!}} Hell's Cargo (1939) |url=http://ftvdb.bfi.org.uk/sift/title/36094 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090113225054/http://ftvdb.bfi.org.uk/sift/title/36094 |archive-date=2009-01-13 |access-date=2026-01-07 |website=BFI |language=en}}</ref> It was written by Dudley Leslie from a story by Léo Joannon and was made at Elstree Studios.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Wood |first=Linda |url=https://www2.bfi.org.uk/sites/bfi.org.uk/files/downloads/bfi-british-films-1927-1939.pdf |title=British Films, 1927–1939 |publisher=British Film Institute |year=1986 |pages=100 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221016015016/https://www2.bfi.org.uk/sites/bfi.org.uk/files/downloads/bfi-british-films-1927-1939.pdf |archive-date=16 October 2022}}</ref> The film is a remake of the 1938 French hit ''Alert in the Mediterranean'', and Peacock reprised his role as a Royal Navy Commodore from the earlier film. On its release in the United States it was retitled as '''''Dangerous Cargo''''' at the request of the Hays Office.{{Citation needed|date=January 2026}}

==Plot== {{No plot|date=January 2026}}

==Cast== * Walter Rilla as Cmndt. Lestailleur * Kim Peacock as Cmdr. Falcon * Robert Newton as Cmdr. Tomasou * Penelope Dudley-Ward as Annette Lestailleur * Geoffrey Atkins as Pierre Lestailieur * Ronald Adam as Capt. Dukes * Charles Victor as Mr. Martin *Martin Walker as Dr. Laurence * Henry Oscar as liner captain * Henry Morell as Father Blanc * Louise Hampton as Civil Defense warden

== Reception == ''The Monthly Film Bulletin'' wrote: "This spectacular and interesting story works up to a thrilling and breathtaking climax. It strikes a topical note with a timely warning.&nbsp;... There is, in fact, no attempt made to penetrate below the surface of a melodramatic situation. The acting is uneven. Robert Newton is good as Tomasov; Walter Rilla adequate as Lesteilleur, but Kim Peacock is stiff and lifeless as Falcon. The settings are effective and the atmosphere convincing."<ref>{{Cite journal |date=1 January 1939 |title=Hell's Cargo |volume=6 |issue=61 |pages=200 |id={{ProQuest|1305807780}} |magazine=The Monthly Film Bulletin}}</ref>

''Kine Weekly'' wrote: "Robert Newton heads the acting honours list as the Russian commander; his is a fine piece of character drawing. Next best is Walter Rilla as the French officer; while last, and certainly least, is Kim Peacock as the British commander; he is very self-conscious.&nbsp;... Story threads are quickly picked up, but although the initial scenes of national prejudices creating international friction are significant, it is the spectacular and heroic dash to save the passengers of a gas-menaced boat, which restores international harmony, that gives the melodrama its thrills and its cast-iron emotional appeal."<ref>{{Cite journal|date=9 November 1939|title=Hell's Cargo|id={{ProQuest|2339766407}}|magazine=Kine Weekly|volume=273|issue=1699|pages=15}}</ref>

''Picturegoer'' wrote: "No mention is made in the synopsis that this picture is a remake of the French film ''Alerte en Mediterranee''&nbsp; ... I'm afraid this is very much of a carbon copy without the essential drive which makes the French picture memorable.&nbsp;...The spectacular part of the picture is well done but there is an air of artificiality which precludes complete success."<ref>{{Cite journal|date=4 November 1939|title=Hell's Cargo|id={{ProQuest|1771163894}}|magazine=Picturegoer|volume=9|issue=|pages=28}}</ref>

''Variety'' wrote: "''Hell's Cargo'' is a kaleidoscopic story full of adventures at sea, with its characterizations admirably portrayed. A commendable production level for a vivid tale that spells success both here and in American duals.&nbsp;... Robert Newton portrays the Russian with simplicity; Walter Rilla, as the French commander and Kim Peacock, representing Britain, are also fine along with Louise Hampton in a bit. Other support is adequate. Direction by Harold Huth is admirable, displaying a good eye particularly for character."<ref>{{Cite journal|date=29 November 1939|title=Hell's Cargo|id={{ProQuest|1475978534}}|magazine=Variety|volume=136|issue=12|pages=18}}</ref>

==References== {{reflist}}

==External links== *{{IMDb title|0031205}}

{{Harold Huth}}

Category:1939 films Category:1939 adventure films Category:Films directed by Harold Huth Category:British seafaring films Category:Films set in the Mediterranean Sea Category:British remakes of French films Category:British black-and-white films Category:British adventure films Category:Films shot at Associated British Studios Category:1939 English-language films Category:1939 British films Category:English-language adventure films