On the tropical island of Devil's Island, a group of convicts attempts an escape, led by the charismatic but cynical "Hess" (Clark Gable). Among them is a mysterious stranger, "The Fisherman" (Ian Hunter), whose presence and teachings begin to sow seeds of doubt and redemption among the hardened criminals. As they navigate the treacherous jungle and the pursuit of the relentless prison warden, the men are forced to confront their pasts and the possibility of a different future.

Strange Cargo was met with mixed reviews upon its release. While some critics praised its ambitious themes and the performances of its lead actors, others found its religious allegory heavy-handed and its plot convoluted. Despite the varied critical reception, the film has since gained a reputation as a curious and somewhat underrated entry in the filmographies of Gable and Crawford, notable for its unusual spiritual undertones.

• Praised for its performances, particularly from Clark Gable and Joan Crawford.
• Criticized for its overly moralistic and heavy-handed religious themes.
• Seen as an unusual and somewhat peculiar film within the typical Hollywood output of the era.

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The film's allegorical themes and spiritual undertones were quite unusual for a major Hollywood studio picture starring Clark Gable and Joan Crawford, leading to some controversy and a somewhat muted reception at the time of its release.