Ferry to Hong Kong (1959)

Ferry to Hong Kong Poster

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.

Intro
"Ferry to Hong Kong" is a 1959 British experience drama film directed by Lewis Gilbert. The motion picture, cast members consisting of Curd Jürgens, Orson Welles, and Sylvia Syms, provides a captivating narrative integrating experience, funny, and love set in the middle of the backdrop of exotic Hong Kong.

Plot Overview
The main plot of "Ferry to Hong Kong" focuses on Mark Conrad, an Austrian exile played by Curd Jürgens, who is condemned to stay at Hong Kong's harbor after authorities in Macau expel him. He's categorized as a stateless person without a passport, which restricts him from getting in any port. Consequently, Conrad is required to reside on a ferry that constantly moves in between Hong Kong and Macau. His initial annoyance and anguish gradually change as he accustoms to life on the ferry.

Main Characters and Conflict
Besides Conrad, the other key character is Captain Hart, the ferry owner depicted by Orson Welles. Hart is a stern, uncompromising character who initially dislikes Conrad but gradually learns to appreciate him. Conrad likewise becomes included with Liz Ferrers, a young vocalist played by Sylvia Syms.

The primary story of "Ferry to Hong Kong" effectively intertwines the individual narratives of these characters with the external crisis - a damaging tropical storm that not only strikes their ferryboat however also threatens the citizens of a water village nearby. The situation culminates when Conrad shows bravery and management, effectively browsing the ferryboat through the vicious storm to rescue the villagers.

Climax and Conclusion
Regardless of being a castaway, Conrad rises to the event during the disaster. His heroic act includes protecting the water town from the tropical cyclone by attaching the ferry with a sea anchor to function as a barrier versus the harsh waves. Conrad collaborates the villagers' rescue, putting his life at threat several times. His selfless actions gradually gather him the respect of both Captain Hart and the villagers.

The climax of "Ferry to Hong Kong" comes when the hurricane, personified as the antagonist throughout the story, wrecks the ferryboat, leaving Conrad, Hart, Liz, and others adrift. Conrad's wits and heroism when again conserve the day as he orchestrates a rescue utilizing lifeboats and rafts.

The conclusion sees Conrad's change from a stateless exile to a hero, making him regard and acknowledgment from those around him. In a twist to the narrative, Conrad learns that his stateless status had been revoked right before he was expelled. Significance, he could have stepped onto land anytime. Nevertheless, he decides to remain aboard, having actually found a sense of belonging and function.

General Review
"Ferry to Hong Kong" successfully represents a male's change through adversity. It wonderfully utilizes a real event, the damaging typhoon, to engineer personal growth and change in its characters' attitudes. The film mixes components of drama, action, love and comedy, resulting in a gripping story that holds the audience's interest. The picturesque background of Hong Kong boosts the motion picture's visual appeal, making it a captivating watch.

Top Cast

  • Curd Jürgens (small)
    Curd Jürgens
    Mark Bertram Conrad
  • Orson Welles (small)
    Orson Welles
    Captain Hart
  • Sylvia Syms (small)
    Sylvia Syms
    Liz Ferrers
  • Jeremy Spenser (small)
    Jeremy Spenser
    Miguel Henriques
  • Noel Purcell (small)
    Noel Purcell
    Joe Skinner
  • Margaret Withers
    Miss Carter
  • Roy Chiao (small)
    Roy Chiao
    Johnny Sing-Up
  • Milton Reid (small)
    Milton Reid
    Yen