Basically telling these accused criminals that they can avoid being behind bars, but sent far, far away so they'll be under someone else's watch, a group of condemned British men and women are shipped to the unsettled territory of 18th century Australia. Most of the film takes place aboard a ship known as the Charlotte, with evil captain James Mason treating the passengers as if they were still behind bars, and making Alan Ladd his main target.
The area of Australia they settle in is basically a penal colony so they're at the mercy of the elements which includes friendly koala and attacks by native aboriginals. For a brief moment, Mason and his team, governor Sir Cedric Hardwicke and Ladd and his fellow prisoners (wearing uniforms that are basically pajamas) must band together to survive, but it's apparent that Mason and Ladd are at war with each other, and no matter what happens with the natives, their hatred will only create more power struggle.
Among the female prisoners is Patricia Medina who's instantly at odds with the other women, including a hawk beaked old bat who obviously hates her youth and beauty. A bearded Jonathan Harris ("Lost in Space's" Dr. Smith) and Murray Matheson co-star. The film is interesting for its subject matter, but being studio bound and not filmed on location rather stale looking and un-cinematic. Mason walks away with acting honors, a fantastic villain whose hypocrisy has him abusing the prisoners while holding a religious ceremony.
The area of Australia they settle in is basically a penal colony so they're at the mercy of the elements which includes friendly koala and attacks by native aboriginals. For a brief moment, Mason and his team, governor Sir Cedric Hardwicke and Ladd and his fellow prisoners (wearing uniforms that are basically pajamas) must band together to survive, but it's apparent that Mason and Ladd are at war with each other, and no matter what happens with the natives, their hatred will only create more power struggle.
Among the female prisoners is Patricia Medina who's instantly at odds with the other women, including a hawk beaked old bat who obviously hates her youth and beauty. A bearded Jonathan Harris ("Lost in Space's" Dr. Smith) and Murray Matheson co-star. The film is interesting for its subject matter, but being studio bound and not filmed on location rather stale looking and un-cinematic. Mason walks away with acting honors, a fantastic villain whose hypocrisy has him abusing the prisoners while holding a religious ceremony.