Movie spotlight
Ferry to Hong Kong
Mark Conrad, a habitual drunk and troublemaker with a shady past, is expelled by Hong Kong police after one too many bar fights. He's sent to Macao on the Fa Tsan, a ferry owned by Captain Hart. Conrad's papers are out of order and Macao refuses him entry. Unable to go ashore, Conrad is a permanent passenger on the ferry with Hart, who detests him. It's all one long, lazy voyage for Conrad until one fateful trip when an encounter with a typhoon and pirates forces Conrad to choose between an aimless drifter's life and becoming a man again.
Insights
Plot Summary
A drifter with a penchant for gambling and drinking finds himself on the run in Hong Kong after a bar brawl. He attempts to escape his predicament by stowing away on a ship, but his plans go awry. He becomes entangled with a beautiful woman and a sinister crime boss, leading him into a dangerous world of espionage and intrigue.
Critical Reception
Ferry to Hong Kong was a modest success, praised for its exotic setting and adventurous plot. While not a critical darling, its blend of crime, comedy, and adventure, along with a charismatic lead performance, garnered a generally positive reception from audiences.
What Reviewers Say
Enjoyable exotic adventure with a light touch.
Curd Jürgens delivers a charming performance as a charming rogue.
Orson Welles adds a menacing presence as the antagonist.
Google audience: Audience reviews are scarce for this older film, but general sentiment suggests it's an entertaining, if somewhat dated, adventure film.
Fun Fact
Orson Welles' character was originally written with a different actor in mind, but Welles' casting added significant star power and gravitas to the film.
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